Coronavirus: Letters of appreciation signed by PM given to AI crew members for Wuhan evacuation

 A total of 68 Air India crew members, who were part of two special flights that evacuated 647 Indians and seven Maldivians from coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan, were handed over letters of appreciation signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. 

Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri handed over letters of appreciation to each crew member in a ceremony held here.

Air India conducted its first special flight to Wuhan on January 31 using jumbo B747 plane, evacuating 324 Indians.

In its second special flight on February 1, national carrier used ar B747 plane, evacuating 323 Indians and seven Maldivians from Wuhan in China.

"Today's garing is unique in many respects. At least, it represents a template and a new high in professionalism. It presents a very good standard for entities that are commercial in nature but are dedicated to country.

"Air India has always been a first class asset. Today, it is an airline which goes 42 international destinations and 82 domestic destinations...but more important than that, Air India represents quality and excellence," Puri said.

Centre has initiated process to sell-off Air India, which incurred a loss of over Rs 8,000 crore in 2018-19.

Why is it that ones who run airlines find it difficult to make money, he asked, ding that airlines all over world have a greater propensity to run into financial problems. 

Rajeev Bansal, Chairman and Managing Director, Air India, said,"Air India is a national carrier and serving for national cause is t something new for it. It is in its DNA."

"It was a commendable job. I would obviously commend Captain Amitabh Singh who is in charge of operations at Air India," he ded. 

He said while 68 persons have received letters of appreciation from prime minister, re were many ors who contributed to Wuhan evacuation.

Ashwani Lohani, who retired as Air India CMD last Friday, said when  names of crew members were shortlisted, t even one of m came forward and say that we would t go.

"We are extremely proud that team of Air India went for this mission in utter disregard for ir own health....I can only say that it was a job well done," he ded.