New Delhi: National carrier Air India is set to operate its Al 173 New Delhi-San Francisco route over the North Pole to reduce flight times and fuel costs.
Air India is going to offer non-stop flights between India and North America to passengers using the existing North Polar routes for commercial air operations starting August 15.
“Air India is in a unique position to offer non-stop flights between India and North America. In our constant endeavour to conserve fuel, reduce travel times, improve aircraft utility and reduce carbon emission, we have flights via the Atlantic and the Pacific on these routes,” Air India said in a press release.
“Polar routes between India and North America destinations are yet to be utilized. Situated on opposite sides of the Northern Hemisphere, India and North America would benefit immensely by using existing North Polar Routes for commercial air operations,” the public carrier added.
The inaugural revenue flight over the polar region on August 15 will be piloted by Captain Rajneesh Sharma and Captain Digvijay Singh.
The release also stated about expected savings and reduction in carbon emissions per flight due to airlines taking the route above the North Pole.
“The fuel savings are expected to be in the region of 2000 kgs to 7000 kgs on these routes with the resultant decrease in carbon emission of 6000 kg to 21000 kg, per flight. This is part of the initiatives of the Fuel Conservation Committee set up by the Director Operations,” it read.
According to the spokesperson, Air India would be the first airline in the world that would have flights over Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Polar region.
