Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha today congratulated the government run Air India for launching direct all women crew flights from New Delhi to Stockholm. Sinha tweeted this message: “.@airindiain sets new benchmark with maiden direct flight from Delhi to Stockholm with an all women crew. Well done!” Air India yesterday operated a Dreamliner Boeing 787 to Stockholm, making the Swedish capital its tenth destination in Europe, as per PTI. The airline will be providing its service thrice-a-week with flights on every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The flight will leave Delhi at 2.50 pm (local time) and reach Stockholm at 6.40 pm, while the return flight will leave Stockholm at 8.40 pm and reach Delhi at 7.20 am next day, according to The Times of India.

In a statement, the Embassy of Sweden said, “With an increase of passenger volume between India and Sweden by 50% in three years, the direct flight is likely to further bolster the growing relationship between India and Sweden. The flying time of passengers will be reduced by at least two hours,” the report added.

Ashwani Lohani, Air India chairman, said the carrier’s first foray to Scandinavia would add new dimensions to trade, commerce and tourism. Gautam Bhattacharyya, Charge d’Affaires, Embassy of Sweden said, “The direct connection will not only strengthen trade between India and Sweden but also create more business, tourism and educational opportunities.” Air India is also expected to add another flight to the Danish capital Copenhagen next month.