Air India – Melbourne’s newest international airline

Melbourne Airport CEO Chris Woodruff was thrilled with the announcement. "This is exceptional news. Air India's decision to launch direct services to Australia from Melbourne is brilliant news for Victorians, tourism and our economy.

"Local tourism bodies, State Government and the airport have worked hard to make this happen, however we could not have achieved such a result without the fantastic support we have had from the Indian community. This collective effort has resulted in Melbourne being the only Australian port with direct services to this wonderfully diverse, culturally rich country".

Victoria's significant Indian community is the fastest growing of any Indian community across Australia over the last decade. This means significant travel by family and friends, demonstrated by 37 percent growth in 2009 from this segment of the market.

"The Indian market is consistently growing, in fact last year, there was a 34 percent increase in visitors from India to Victoria, and Air India, by choosing Melbourne as their base, have seized this market opportunity. It is clear that Melbourne and the offerings of greater Victoria are instrumental to the growth of the education, leisure and business markets.

"Team Melbourne looks forward to continuing to work with the Indian Consul General, the Australian Indian Business Council and the Australian Indian community as Air India establishes themselves in their Australian base" Mr Woodruff said.