Air India, national flag carrier of India, will start first-ever nonstop flights between San Francisco and Delhi on December 2, 2015. Air India officials said the airline plans to launch service with three flights per week, on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, using Boeing 777 long-range aircraft. Since the flight will connect to Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, inbound visitors from all these destinations will have more air choice to visit San Francisco, which is one of the most preferred cities for Indian travellers travelling to the West coast of the United States.
The San Francisco Travel Association was the first US city to open their representative office in India through Sartha Marketing in 2007. Joe D’Alessandro, president and CEO, San Francisco Travel Association said, “We are pleased with the announcement of the new route by Air India from New Delhi to San Francisco. This city is a major gateway city in USA specially the west coast. We are confident that this new service will not only enhance travel and trade between these two cities but also connect other key cities in the region. With this enhanced air connectivity, we hope to welcome even more Indian travellers”
India is a very significant growth market for San Francisco Travel. In 2014, the city witnessed 149,000 Indian travellers. India ranks among the top 10 international markets, in terms of arrivals as well as of spending per visitor.
John L Martin, airport director, San Francisco said, “I am excited that Air India has selected SFO for their newest route in the United States. This service firmly establishes our Airport as the premier gateway to Asia and the Subcontinent, and provides an unparalleled level of global access to our guests.”