Fly91 Airlines Launches Hyderabad-Vijayawada Service with Ceremonial Water Salute
In a significant boost to regional connectivity, Fly91 Airlines inaugurated its Hyderabad-Vijayawada flight service on Friday with a ceremonial water cannon salute at Gannavaram airport. The aircraft received the traditional honor from airport firefighting vehicles as it taxied on the runway during its inaugural journey, marking a celebratory start to the new route.
Expanding Regional Connectivity
The new service represents the eighth flight on the Hyderabad-Vijayawada route and Fly91's inaugural operation on this sector. This expansion is part of the airline's broader domestic flight operations that now connect Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram with Hyderabad, enhancing travel options within the region.
At the airport, Excise Minister Kollu Ravindra personally handed over boarding passes to passengers traveling to Hyderabad. The first set of passengers on the inaugural flight were felicitated with special commemorative boarding passes, adding a memorable touch to their journey.
Government Support and UDAN Scheme
Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu virtually flagged off the service, congratulating Fly91 on its expansion into Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram. He highlighted the airline's rapid growth across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, noting its contribution to regional aviation development.
The minister emphasized that Fly91's success serves as a testament to the UDAN scheme, the Union government's flagship program for developing unserved and underserved airports. He further revealed that the Modified UDAN scheme aims to develop 100 new airports across India over the next five years, signaling continued expansion of air connectivity nationwide.
Strong Passenger Response and Operational Details
The inaugural flights demonstrated promising passenger interest. The 72-seater aircraft operated with approximately 50 percent occupancy on its first leg, carrying 35 passengers from Hyderabad to Vijayawada. The return journey recorded nearly 70 percent occupancy with 57 passengers traveling from Vijayawada to Hyderabad.
Airports Authority of India (AAI) officials expressed optimism about the new service, stating that the addition of Vijayawada and Rajamahendravaram destinations is expected to improve connectivity to key commercial, industrial, and educational centers. They emphasized that the service offers passengers safer, more reliable, and convenient travel options within the region.
Enhanced Travel Services
Alongside the new route, Fly91 has introduced Smartbag91, a pre-booked excess baggage facility designed to meet the needs of travelers requiring additional luggage. This service allows passengers to book extra baggage in advance, aligning with global airline norms and simplifying the overall travel experience.
Flight Schedule Details
The airline has established a comprehensive schedule for the Hyderabad-Vijayawada route:
- Flight IC-3301: Departs Hyderabad at 6:05 AM, arrives Vijayawada at 7:10 AM
- Flight IC-3302: Departs Vijayawada at 7:30 AM, arrives Hyderabad at 8:40 AM
Effective from April 17, additional flights will operate:
- Flight IC-3303: Departs Hyderabad at 9:05 AM, arrives Vijayawada at 10:15 AM
- Flight IC-3304: Departs Vijayawada at 10:35 AM, arrives Hyderabad at 11:45 AM
This expanded schedule provides travelers with multiple options throughout the morning hours, facilitating convenient day trips and business travel between the two important South Indian cities.
