Kuwait, 30th Oct. 2014: Presidents and office bearers of various Karnataka State Associations in Kuwait and large number of Coastal Karnataka NRIs in Kuwait interacted with visiting Karnataka Legislative Assembly Member Mr. J.R. Lobo and shared their prime concerns including patronizing AIR INDIA EXPESS flight services to Kuwait-Mangalore sector in a public meeting held in Kuwait. The meeting was arranged by United Associations of Karnataka (UAKK) convened by well known Social activist Mr. Fayaz Sheikh. The meeting was held on Thursday 30th Oct. 2014 at 7:00 p.m. in SIMS Auditorium, Salmiya, Kuwait. Mr. J.R. Lobo was the chief guest.
Mrs. & Mr. J.R. Lobo were honored with flower bouquet.

Mr. Ramesh Kidiyoor in his welcome address briefed about UAKK activities.

Mr. Hasan Yusuf, Chief Coordinator of United associations of Karnataka (UAKK) gave details of the UAKK efforts and follow ups with various concerned authorities regarding Kuwait-Mangalore sector flights. He thanked AIR INDIA EXPRESS for restoration of Flight services to Kuwait – Mangalore sector. He also thanked UAKK leaders, Aviation Ministry of India, Health Minister Shri U.T. Kader, Chief Minister Shri Siddaramiah, Minister Shri Roshan Baig, MP Shri Nalin Kumar Kateel, MLC Shri Ivan D’Souza, MLA Shri J.R. Lobo and leaders of KORWA Mangalore.

Mr. Pascal Pinto and Mr. Satishchandra Shetty – prominent NRIs and well known social workers addressed the gathering and thanked AIR INDIA EXPRESS for the restoration of flight service to Kuwait – Mangalore sector. They requested all Coastal Karnataka NRIs in Kuwait to make use of Air India Express Flights in Kuwait-Mangalore sector.

Chief Guest Mr. J.R. Lobo, Karnataka Legislative Assembly member in his address gave a call to all Coastal Karnataka NRIs in Kuwait to patronize AIR INDIA EXPRESS Flight Services to Kuwait – Mangalore sector and help smooth running of the flights. He cautioned saying that this may be a last chance to retain Air India Express flight services to Kuwait – Mangalore sector. He shared his experiences about his recent meetings with State Aviation Minister Shri G.M. Siddeshwar and Air India Express MD & CEO Mr. Rohit Nandan who approved the restoration of AIE express services to this sector.

In an open question and answer session the several prominent audience from Coastal Karnataka and Northern parts of Kerala suggested several points to increase the passenger load to Kuwait – Mangalore sector, and also conveyed their concerns they are facing while choosing AIE flights for their travel to Kuwait – Mangalore sector. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. J.R. Lobo assured to the audience and leaders of UAKK member associations that he would be their voice and convey their concerns of passengers to Aviation Ministry and Air India Express Management regarding flight timings, hike in fare, luggage, hygiene in the aircraft, improvement in catering facilities and the hospitality of AIE staff etc. He also assured that he will suggest Karnataka State Government to grant permission to NRI students to appear for CET examination once they complete 12th standard in Kuwait or in other GCC countries so that the fees structures for NRI students will match with local students.

Mr. Fayaz Sheikh coordinated and convened the public meeting and Mr. Stephen Machado conveyed the vote of thanks.