Shillong: The Meghalaya Transport Corporation (MTC), under the State Government, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Saturday with SpiceJet for operating direct flights between Shillong and Delhi.
The MoU was signed in presence of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and Chief Secretary Donald Philips Wahlang.
The flights will operate twice a week on Monday and Friday.
It may be noted that the initiative to operate direct Delhi-Shillong-Delhi flights was undertaken by the State Government in 2020. Initially Big Charter Pvt Ltd (FlyBig) was engaged to operate the flights.
FlyBig had deployed Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircraft on the route which were initially chartered from SpiceJet. However, FlyBig later expressed its inability to continue the operations. Subsequently the State Government held several deliberations with FlyBig and also explored other alternatives.
Accordingly, the agreement with FlyBig was terminated.
Meanwhile, SpiceJet, approached the State Government and offered to operate the Delhi-Shillong-Delhi flights on its own as per the extant terms of MTC.
SpiceJet has a total fleet of 23 Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 aircrafts. The same aircraft will be deployed for the Delhi-Shillong-Delhi route.
The flights are expected to start operating from February 2023.
SpiceJet is looking forward to fulfil the commitment of the State Government and to meet the aspirations of the citizens of Meghalaya with direct flights between Shillong and Delhi.
