Air India Chicago Cargo Agents Award Dinner

Chicago IL: At a gala dinner banquet held on Friday, November 8 2013, at India House, Schaumburg by Air India Chicago Cargo office presented annual sales performance awards to its appointed travel agents recognizing their role in promoting the national Indian airliner in this part of the world . The event was attended by a large number of top producing Cargo Agents from across Midwest and other invited guests. Top 5 Producing Agents were recognized with a Plaque of Recognition for their contribution

The evening started with an hour of Hors’ D’oeuvres and cocktails, to allow the participants a chance to mingle and get to know one another.

At about 7:30, Tom Dempsey, District Cargo Sales Manager – Midwest, for Air India introduced himself and thanked everyone for coming out. He then introduced Mr. Singh, Regional Manager – Midwest for Air India, who made the Keynote address, explaining Air India’s history dating back to 1932, being one of the oldest airlines in the world. He noted that we had one of the most modern fleets in the sky, that Air India was the second airlines to order the Dream liner, and that while it was still on the drawing board, and not only did we order them, we placed the largest order of 28 aircraft. He also noted that the average age of our aircraft was 8 years old, and after we receive this new equipment, our average age per aircraft should drop to about 3 years old. Mr. Singh explained that with the introduction of all these new aircraft, Air India would be considering expansion of routes. He expects that Air India, which has a non-stop policy from USA to India at present, would be offering passengers a choice, with the expected introduction of an additional flight into Chicago. The choice would be the present non-stop, or a European stop. This would once again open additional markets to the cargo community, as well as the passenger market. With this expansion, he said we would depend upon the agents’ continued support to make these flights successful.

After Mr. Singh’s address, Mr. Dempsey requested Katherine Thorat, District Sales Manager – Midwest to begin the short film on the Dreamliner. This was followed by another short presentation on tourism to India.

It was now time for the presentation of the awards to the top 5 Cargo Agents in Chicago. The winners had not been advised in advance, and Mr. Dempsey introduced the winners in reverse order:

#5 – Kintetsu World Express, Itasca – Pat Armoogam, was on hand to receive the plaque.
#4 – Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Schiller Park, – Were unable to attend due to work exigencies.
#3 – Ceva Freight LLC. – Elk Grove Village – Russell Snyder was on hand to receive the plaque.
#2 – Freight Systems – Chicago – Flora Neal was on hand to receive the plaque.
#1 – Capricorn Logistics – Bensenville – Timothy Wojno was on hand to receive the plaque.

Upon completion of the distribution of the awards, the India House Banquets presented a wonderful buffet dinner.After Dinner, a live band, Leaving Scarlet, played music for dancing and listening enjoyment for the rest of the evening. Although things were expected to wrap up by about 10:30, the band agreed, upon the insistence of the dancers to continue on until past 11. For anyone interested in contacting Leaving Scarlet, they may be contacted via Facebook under Leaving Scarlet, or through their web sight www.leavingscarlet.com. Needless to say, a good time was had by all!