From:

Mr. Sunil Varghese

President

Malayalee Association of Northern California (MANCA)

Email: president@mancaonline.org

Phone: 510-495-4778

To:

Air India Management

CC: Dr. S. Jaishankar (Hon. Minister of External Affairs of India)

CC: Mr.Jyotiraditya Scindia (Hon. Minister of Civil Aviation of India)

CC: Dr. K. Srikar Reddy, (Hon. Consul General of India, San Francisco)

Petition: Launch a Weekly Direct Air India Flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Kochi (COK)

Dear Air India Management,

We, the undersigned, impassioned travelers, residents of Northern California and western regions of USA (Arizona, Colorado, Utah & Washington) advocates for enhanced connectivity, come together through this petition to earnestly request the establishment of a direct, nonstop weekly flight service from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Kochi International Airport (COK). We believe this initiative would not only bridge a substantial travel gap between the two cities, but also unlock a transformative experience for thousands of travelers.

The Problem:

Currently, Northern California and western region of USA residents face arduous journeys, enduring 25+ hours of travel to reach Kochi. Our options are connecting via Mumbai or Delhi, where travelers are required to do a check out and check in process, which adds additional burden on travelers further to an already long journey. In some cases, travelers do not have enough time to go through these before their connecting flights. For those destined for smaller Kerala cities, this ordeal extends to excruciating 30+ hours of transit.

The Solution:

We propose the introduction of a nonstop weekly Air India flight from San Francisco (SFO) to Kochi (COK), complemented by seamless onward connections through local carriers such as SpiceJet, GoAir, IndiGo, and Vistara. This weekly service would offer accessibility to Kozhikode, Kannur, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy, delivering a game-changing travel experience.

Why San Francisco?

In Northern California and western region of USA, a vibrant community of over 25,000 residents embarks on frequent journeys to Kerala and neighboring states. Notably, more than four hundred families travel weekly to Kochi, as confirmed by information from four reputable travel agents. The burgeoning Malayalee population, drawn to Northern California's and western region of USA Information Technology Hub ensures a growing demand. San Francisco, a well-connected hub to numerous U.S. domestic destinations, stands as the strategic gateway, leveraging its geographical advantage.

Why Kochi?

Strategically positioned at the heart of Kerala, Kochi serves as the optimal gateway to this vibrant state and neighboring towns. A few hours' drive from Kochi effortlessly transports Malayalees and eager tourists to their desired destinations, promising full capacity flights and a seamless travel experience for passengers. The route's brevity and being free from international transits, reduces fatigue and makes it ideal for elderly travelers with mobility challenges. With impeccable onward domestic connections from Kochi, travelers can efficiently "fan out" with minimal additional flight time to reach their final destinations.

Why Air India?

As a reputable national carrier, Air India boasts existing connectivity from several U.S. cities to New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. This uniquely positions Air India to launch a new, direct route to Kochi. Air India's Kochi hub further solidifies the viability of this endeavor.

In Summary, This Opportunity is a No-Brainer for Air India Because:

1. San Francisco to Kochi NON-STOP route is an untapped market currently dominated by Emirates Airline, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways, all with one or more stops through Dubai, Singapore, or Doha.

2. The route comfortably fits within the range of Air India's modern Dreamliners, and 777 fleet ensuring passenger comfort.

3. Kochi International Airport's warm reception of direct NON-STOP long-haul flights translates to substantial cost savings for carriers.

4. The expansion of the international terminal, T2, at Kochi International Airport provides ample facilities for smooth arrivals and departures.

We are committed to pursuing this goal by engaging with Air India Management, Dr. S. Jaishankar (Minister of External Affairs of India), Mr.Jyotiraditya Scindia (Minister of Civil Aviation of India), the Consulate General of India, San Francisco, California, and Members of Parliament from Kerala. Your signature on this petition will bolster our case, uniting our collective efforts to turn this vision into a reality.

Thank you for your invaluable support!

Sincerely,

Sunil Varghese,

MANCA President.

Community Organization Endorsements:

1. Federation of Malayalee Associations of Americas - FOMAA
2. Federation of Kerala Associations in North America - FOKANA 
3. Festival of the Globe - FOG
4. Association of Indo Americans - AIA
5. Sacramento Regional Association of Malayalees - SARGAM
6. Malayali Association of Central Valley California - MACC
7. Nair Service Society of California
8. Knanaya Catholic Congress of Northern California - KCCNC
9. Bay Malayali Arts and Sports Club 
10. Mountain House Association Of Malayalis - MOHAM
11. East Contra Costa Malayali Association - ECCMA
12. Vanitha – Indian American Association Of Women
13. Music India Foundation - MIF
14. Thapasya Arts San Francisco
15. Sargavedi San Francisco
16. California Blasters VOlleyball Club - CBVC
17. Punyam