Continental Airlines apologises to Kalam

Under intense pressure, the US-based Continental Airlines -- in a volteface from Tuesday apologised to former President Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Wednesday "for any misunderstanding or inconvenience related to the security screening" on April 21 at the IGI Airport. But the airlines requested the Indian and the US governments to ensure that their aviation rules are compatible to avoid such situations. In violation of the BCAS rules that exempt former Presidents from preembarkation security checks, the Continental Airlines had frisked Dr Kalam when he was boarding a US-bound flight from New Delhi on April 21.

"Continental Airlines apologises to the former President of India, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, for any misunderstanding and/or inconvenience related to the security screening on April 21, 2009. Our intention was never to offend Dr Kalam or the sentiments of the people of India. Continental Airlines takes great pride and is honoured to have flown a respectable leader such as Dr Kalam. We have tendered a formal apology to Dr Kalam and we sincerely hope he will fly with us again," the airline stated.

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