Jaideep Mirchandani, group chairman of Sky One, says a robust aviation infrastructure can enhance the region’s overall growth
In September this year, the Ministry of Civil Aviation organised the North East Region Ministers’ Conference on Civil Aviation and the 3rd North East Aviation Summit in Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh. The overarching focus was on aviation-led development and the role infrastructure and transportation connectivity can play in catalysing growth in the Northeast. UDAN has also significantly streamlined connectivity to new airports in areas previously considered remote.
“Connectivity, when tailored to local needs and contexts, can positively impact the socio-economic landscape of any region as it improves access to markets and emergency services, boosts entrepreneurship, trade and tourism, creates employment opportunities, empowers underserved communities and also reduces migration pressures by enhancing economic prospects. In the Northeast, a robust aviation infrastructure can also lower the cost and time of moving goods, enhancing the region’s overall growth,” says Jaideep Mirchandani, group chairman of Sky One.
Emphasising the importance of bolstering Centre, State and multi-stakeholder partnerships, Mr Mirchandani adds, “It is a positive sign that the operational airports in the region have increased from nine in 2014 to 16, and domestic passenger traffic has seen a major upswing. In time, more heliports and cargo facilities, as well as increased interest from leading industry players, will benefit the region.”
He is also very optimistic about the Union Civil Aviation Ministry’s announcement of four free pre-feasibility studies annually for new airports in the Northeast. “The Centre aims to offer four pre-feasibility studies annually for new Greenfield airports free of cost, and this will encourage the creation of more aviation projects. We may even see an expansive airport infrastructure linking remote areas with major commercial areas in the near future, encouraging the inflow of trade and investment, ” he adds.
The Northeast has immense cultural richness and significant potential as a tourism hotspot with unique heritage, says Mr Mirchandani, adding that aviation-driven projects would empower communities most in need of economic and employment opportunities across various sectors. Apart from jobs in hospitality, tourism, and travel services, as well as indigenous crafts and artisanal industries, upskilled local youth will also be able to take on technical roles within the aviation ecosystem. Training facilities and aviation academies can also help to create an efficient and skilled local workforce,” he says.
Clear, measurable goals, identifying potential obstacles, allocating necessary resources, and regularly reviewing and adjusting plans to ensure consistent progress will be key to what happens next. “A long-term action plan, stringent adherence to timelines, private-sector expertise, operational and logistical support as well as MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities will ensure that the aviation boom in the Northeast is not short-lived and is commercially viable as well as environmentally sustainable,” concludes Mr Michandani.
