OREANDA-NEWS. Sydney Airport will welcome direct services from India - Sydney Airport's largest unserved market - in August with Air India's new daily service to Sydney from Delhi.

The first flight will depart Delhi on 29 August and arrive in Sydney on 30 August, before returning to Delhi via Melbourne.

“Thanks to strong support from Premier Barry O'Farrell, Destination NSW and Tourism Australia, we're excited to have secured direct services from India,” Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Kerrie Mather said.

“India is one of Australia's fastest growing markets, with 40 per cent of all travellers between the two countries departing from Sydney. Last year, we handled over 280,000 passengers on the route, a growth rate of 11 per cent.

“Delhi is Sydney's largest unserved market. Now that the market will be served directly we expect growth to accelerate, providing a major boost to NSW tourism and support to the growing trade links between Australia and India.

“Sydney is home to 217,000 people of Indian descent, emphasising the cultural links between these two growing markets.”

Air India's Manager Australia Ravi Bodade said the new daily Air India service will mark Australia's first ever Boeing 787 Dreamliner passenger service.

“Air India's new Dreamliner aircraft is the latest in aviation technology - it's more fuel efficient, has a smaller noise footprint, and its larger windows, cleaner air and lie flat business class seats ensure passengers arrive at their destination feeling refreshed,” Mr Bodade said.

“Air India currently operates the Dreamliner on its London, Frankfurt and Paris services, and we're proud to add Sydney to the destinations we serve.”

The arrival of the new generation Dreamliner aircraft cements Sydney Airport's status as a world class airport and a hub for next generation aircraft.

Tickets for the new Air India service are on sale now and the flight schedule is below.

From

To

Arrive

Depart

From

To

Days of operation

Delhi

Sydney

06:30

08:00*

Sydney

Delhi via Melbourne

Tue Wed Fri Sun

Delhi via Melbourne

Sydney

08:30

10:00

Sydney

Delhi

Mon Thu Sat

08:30 on Fridays until 4 October 2013.