Expanding its operations in the US, Air India has announced the launch of its

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daily flight from Washington to Kolkata.

The Washington-Calcutta flight from December 1 would have stops in New York and New Delhi, with the New York-New Delhi being non-stop, thus saving several hours for passengers travelling from the US Capital.

Air India would deploy its latest state of the art Boeing 777 LR aircraft on this route. The flight from India will arrive at 9:30 am and depart from the Dulles International Airport at 12:10 pm.

These timings are valid from December 1 to December 14, 2009. The timings change from December 15 wherein flights arrive at 8:10 am and depart at 13:10.

The decision by Air India has been welcomed by the members of the fast growing Indian American community in Washington and adjoining areas, who have been demanding for such a flight for past several years.

"There was a demand for this flight from Washington DC and we are happy that our efforts have had a positive impact," said Devashish Ray, executive director of USAsian.