Jagson Airlines chairman J P Gupta; State Minister for Energy, Higher and Technical Education, Medical Education Dilip Walse Patil; Sri Shirdi Sai Baba Trust chairman Jayant Sasane; vice-chairman Shankar Kolhe; MLA Radha krishnan Vikhe Patil; actor Manoj Kumar; singer Raageshwari; her father Trilok Singh Lambha and other trustees of the temple were present at the inaugural function. At the conclusion of the function, they were flown to Shirdi in a 26-seater helicopter—while it takes seven hours to reach Shirdi by road, the to-and-fro chopper journey will take three hours.

“Sai Baba pilgrims are spread across India and the world. Majority of them are from Maharashtra, especially Mumbai. Besides, a large number of these bhakts are people from the film fraternity and businessmen. That is why we decided to start the service here,” said Gupta. According to Gupta, the fare, which has not been decided as yet, would be fixed at a reasonable rate in order to make it viable for everyone.

Speaking on the occasion, Patil insisted that the service was not just meant for the rich but also for the common man. “This service is especially beneficial for busy professionals. I am going to appeal to the civil aviation minister for a regular airstrip at Shirdi for the convenience of Sai Baba followers.” He said that introducing such services would help Maharashtra garner more investment and grow financially.

Ardent Sai Baba devotee Manoj Kumar said, “I believe Shirdi is the capital of all religious places in India because this is the only shrine that is not affiliated to any particular religion. People of all faiths come to take the blessings of Sai Baba. The newly introduced flights will be of great service to the devotees.”

Raageshwari agreed, “The feeling of secularism is important to me. Reciting the Saicharitra has helped me a lot. I wish Jagson Airlines well.”

Jagson Airlines operates regular flights from Srinagar to the Amarnath shrine.