Kerala is devising an extensive air connectivity project for the entire state with air-strips in selected districts and helipads in others. The project is aimed at enabling more trade, investment, tourism and travel among other key economic activities.
Already, the government has developed an air strip at Sathram in Idukki where a two -seater aircraft recently conducted a trial run.
As per the details available from the government, the air connectivity project comprises air strips and helipads to ensure seamless air travel between the districts in the state. While air strips will be set up in Kasargod, Wayanad and Idukki, the government is considering helipads in Kollam, Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Guruvayoor, Malappuram, Alappuzha, Thrissur and Palakkad.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan recently briefed the assembly about the project and said the government had already appointed Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) to conduct the Techno Economic Feasibility Study for setting up an air strip at Periya in Kasargod. “We have also submitted the details before the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation for approval,” he said.
On the proposals for setting up air strips and helipads in other districts, Pinarayi Vijayan said the collectors and police chiefs of the respective districts have been asked to conduct a feasibility study to identify appropriate spots and submit a detailed report before the government.
Aviation industry experts said the project will be good for the state, but the government must ensure that the air strips are at least 4000 feet long to ensure landing of six to eight seater jets.
“Smaller air strips won’t do any good to the economy of the state. Nobody is using two-seater aircraft these days for business travel. We need air strips that can accommodate chartered six to eight seater jets. Also the government must make the landing cost highly competitive to attract more chartered flyers to the state, ” said Halo Airways Private Limited CEO Shoby T Paul.
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