India and Asia’s largest civil aviation event, Wings India 2024, concluded in Hyderabad on January 21. The event showcased beautiful performances by airport operators, airlines, and various aviation industry bigwigs. One such event that caught everyone’s attention was the opening day of Air India Express. The airline orchestrated a captivating live performance by Padma Shri Awardee Sivamani on the tarmac. He performed this mesmerising piece in front of Air India Express’ newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft on display, VT-BXH – Kalamkari. Read on to learn more about the whole event.
Adding Few Musical Notes To Wings India 2024 Celebration
I don't recollect the last time a Padma Shri Awardee performed live airside at an airport in India. Which is why the team at @AirIndiaX may have created #aviation history in India with this performance by Sivamani in #Hyderabad at @WingsIndia2024 #AvGeek pic.twitter.com/nnoOv2GUQ4
— VT-VLO (@Vinamralongani) January 20, 2024
Celebrated percussionist Sivamani gave an awe-inspiring performance for the Air India Express opening ceremony at Wings India 2024. With the tarmac as his stage, Sivamani captivated the audience as he masterfully showcased the cultural and musical diversity of India. He performed with 45 percussion instruments flown in from different parts of India. These 45 instruments represented Air India Express’ destinations in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. The airline also presented its newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft which was parked in the background during Sivamani’s performance.
Sivamani put on an extraordinary performance using an array of traditional instruments from across regions. These instruments included Chanda, Dhadd, Dhol, Dholki, Dolleh, Dumru, Folk Drum, Gommat, Idakka, Khol, Mridangam, Nagada, Pambai, Shamel, Tabla, Tambourine, Tasha, Tavil, Tapey, Thamte, Thimila, Thumbak Naari, and the Udukkai from different part of India, the Darbukka and Mirwas from Middle East, and finally, a Gong from Singapore.
Also Read: Ayodhya, Gwalior And More, 7 New Air India Express Routes
Air India Express’ Newest ‘Kalamkari’ Aircraft Unveiled
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Air India Express was the only commercial airline to be a part of the flying display at Wings India this year. At this event, the airline unveiled its unique Kalamkari-adorned tail art on its newest Boeing 737-8 aircraft, VT-BXH. This aircraft pays homage to the region of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
There was also a fly display where the skilled pilots of Air India Express showcased the Boeing 737-8 with a host of captivating manoeuvres. They performed short-field take-offs and landings, touch ‘n’ go, low-level runs, and climbing turns during the display. These manoeuvres demonstrated the operational capabilities and versatility of the aircraft and the airline pilots.
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In the past as well, Air India Express has showcased India’s diverse culture and heritage through tail art designs in its aircraft. They have added designs like Bandhani and Patola from Gujarat, Gamosa from Assam, Jamdani from West Bengal, Jamawar from Kashmir, Phulkari from Punjab, Kanjeevaram from Tamil Nadu, Banarasi from Uttar Pradesh, and now Kalamkari from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
This is truly a beautiful way to celebrate the diversity and craftsmanship of India’s artistic and textile heritage.
Cover Image Courtesy: Facebook/DrumsSivamani & Instagram/@airindiax
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First Published: January 22, 2024 3:20 PM