AI Bombay to Kuwait

On 4th October, 1960 Air-India Began weekly services from Bombay to Kuwait via Karachi and Bahrain.

The first flight was by Super Constellation Rani of Ind VT-DGM under the command of Capt Screwvala. The return service left Kuwait on 5 October 1960.

Timetable dated October 1960 showing the route map of Air-India began its first flight on Bombay to Kuwait via Karachi and Bahrain on 4 October 1960.

Timetable dated October 1960 showing the Flight schedule time on Gulf Services which inaugurated on 4 october 1960.

AI Timetable dated October 1960.

AI Passenger Single, Return and Excess Baggage fare charges on Gulf Services

Air-India Booking and Sales offices

AI Aircraft

Air-India International began its Gulf services on 4th october 1960 by Super Constellation L-1049 Rani of Ind VT-DGM under the command of Capt Screwvala.

Air-India's second Lockheed Super Constellation L-1049 (VT-DGM) Rani of Ind.
Acquired on 30 July 1954
Photograph taken at Bombay Airport shows the graceful Super Constellation with the crew that brought her to India on the maiden voyage. There is a fair amount of discussion on the internet as to whether Air-India actually named an airplane Rani of Ind, but I guess this picture puts the matter at rest

Air-India International Super Constellation L-1049 VT-DGM Rani of Ind

VT-DGM (c/n 4548) Rani of Ind seen in the mid-1950s. Looks like this picture was taken at Hong Kong's Kai Tak airport.

First Flight on Bombay - Kuwait route.
Bombay to Bahrein stage.
Lockheed Superconstellation L-1049. 4 October 1960

The weekly Bombay - Kuwait service was introduced via Karachi and Bahrein.
Souvenir Air-India cover with purple Air-India commemoration handstamp, and Bombay G.P.O. cancellation stamp.
Kuwait delivery stamp dated 5 Oct 60 on the reverse.
The cover bears the autograph of Mr. R. K. Screwwala
(Image Courtesy - Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bombay - Bahrain route.
2 May 1962

Bahrain was introduced as a schedule halt on the India - U.S.A. service on a once a week basis.
The cover bears the autograph of Capt. A M Kapur.
(Image Courtesy: Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

Air-India Boeing 707 Inaugural Flight Bombay - Bahrain 1962.

Bahrain was introduced as a scheduled halt on the India - U.S.A. service on a once a week basis.

First Boeing 707 Flight on Bahrain - Bombay route
4 May 1962

Bahrain was introduced as a schedule halt on the India - U.S.A. service on a once a week basis. The cover was flown on the return flight.
The cover bears the autograph of Capt. D J Bilmoria.
(Image Courtesy: Mr. Harsh Gupta, The Rudraksha Collection)

The aircraft used on the return flight was the Boeing 707-460 Everest Vt-DJK under the command of Captain D J Bilmoria. It left Bahrain at 2030 GMT (4.5.62) and arrived in Bombay at 23:40 GMT (4.5.62).
Cover signed by the pilot.

Bahrain was introduced as a schedule halt on the India - U.S.A. service on a once a week basis. The cover was flown on the return flight.

Air-India Collector