Washington:
Air India's decision to start the first-ever nonstop flight between San Francisco and New Delhi has united two great cultural and economic centers of the world, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee has said.
"I am pleased to welcome Air India to San Francisco - the Innovation Capital of the World - after the productive visit by India Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the San Francisco Bay Area," said San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee.
"By creating the first-ever nonstop service between San Francisco and Delhi, Air India has united two great cultural and economic centers of the world. As the only nonstop flight between India and the West Coast of the United States, I fully expect this new service to be a success," said Mr Lee.
Air India will begin the direct flights between San Francisco and Delhi on December 2. Air India plans to launch service with three flights per week, on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday, using Boeing 777 long-range aircraft.
"I am excited that Air India has selected SFO for their newest route in the United States," said Airport Director John L Martin.
"This service firmly establishes our Airport as the premier gateway to Asia and the subcontinent, and provides an unparalleled level of global access to our guests," he said.
The new flight makes San Francisco the fourth American city served by Air India after Chicago, New York and Newark.
The Boeing 777-200LR aircraft has a seating capacity of 238 passengers, made up of eight first class, 35 business class and 195 economy class seats.