Myanmar’s private carrier Air KBZ started its chartered flight service between Mandalay and Imphal on Saturday, to coincide with the Manipur Sangai Festival 2019 which will kick off on Sunday.

The Mandalay-Imphal chartered flight takes it course from Manipur Sangai Festival, which will continue till November 30. Visitors from the South Asian region, particularly Myanmarese delegation, and tourists will be flown into the state and back as a part of the cultural exchange programme with the neighbouring country during the festival.

The inaugural flight, which departed from Mandalay, landed at the Bir Tikendrajit International Airport around 11.30am. It was welcomed with the traditional water cannon salute.

Education minister Th. Radheshyam, who was present at the airport to mark the occasion, said launching of the chartered flight service will enhance air connectivity with neighbouring countries, especially with Myanmar. The chartered flight will operate thrice a week.

The minister said the state government is pursuing the launch of regular Imphal-Mandalay services with the Union ministry of civil aviation.

The first Air KBZ flight carried around 72 passengers from Myanmar and the return flight will depart Imphal with 48 passengers, including five officials. Radheshyam appealed to the people of Manipur to support the initiative.

Health and family welfare minister L. Jayantakumar Singh, consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister Karam Shyam, chairman of Tourism Corporation Manipur Limited Sapam Ranjan, chief secretary J. Suresh Babu, principal secretary P. Vaiphei, director of the transport department Mercina Panmei welcomed the passengers with traditional Manipuri shawls.