India union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has announced new plans for the international operations of state-run, Air India that I facing a prolonged strike by pilots.

The new plans include two new flights to Kuala Lumpur and London and the resumption of flight services to Hong Kong, Osaka and Seoul by August 1. Mr. Singh said that the airline will also induct three Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircrafts this month.

He said, “For the initial six to eight weeks, the first aircraft will be used on domestic routes to enable trainees to practice landings and take-offs and the first long-haul flight of the aircraft will be in August between Mumbai and London and Australia operations will commence in August-September.”

When asked about the strike by pilots, he said that the strike is over as far is the government is concerned. He also said that pilots who wish to return back to their jobs were welcome but there should be no pre-condition to their resumption of service.

Mr. Singh also pointed out that the striking pilots have opposed the Dharmadhikari report on turnaround plans and if they do not come to terms with it then their return has no point. The minister had earlier asked the striking pilots to return to their jobs after Delhi High court said that the strike is illegal.