From 1 August 2011, SilkAir, the regional wing of Singapore Airlines, will begin four-times-weekly services to Kolkata. Together with Singapore Airlines’ three weekly flights to the Indian city, both airlines will operate a total of seven round-trip services per week. Singapore Airlines’ flights will be on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday while SilkAir will operate its flights on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

“With the launch of SilkAir’s services to Kolkata, we will together be operating daily flights, providing our customers even more choices and convenience. The increase in flight frequency demonstrates our strong commitment to India and our dedication to further growing the market,” said Mr. Tan Chik Quee, Singapore Airlines’ Senior Vice President, Marketing.

Added Mr. Marvin Tan, SilkAir’s Chief Executive: “Kolkata is a vibrant city that is rich in culture and history and known as the commercial capital of east India.  It also serves as a base for many multi-national companies. SilkAir looks forward to serving both leisure and business travellers alike on the Singapore-Kolkata route from 1 August, complementing the services already offered by our parent company, Singapore Airlines. Additionally, we’re offering customers convenient onward connections to more than 90 cities in the joint Singapore Airlines – SilkAir network.”

The capital of the Indian state of West Bengal, Kolkata is the main business, commercial and financial hub of East India and is home to India’s oldest stock exchange company, the Calcutta Stock Exchange. Kolkata, formerly known as Calcutta, is a destination of significant historical interest and heritage, with a rich collection of museums, libraries, historic hotels, city parks, statues and memorials. Unlike many cities in North India, much of the architecture found in Kolkata is reminiscent of the European, and particularly British, styles.

The flights are subject to governmental approvals, with schedules subject to slot availability.