Vijayawada to Singapore flight inaugurated
Vice President M. Venkaiah Na idu has said that India has the potential to become global aviation hub for MRO (Maintenance Repair and Overhaul) in view of the growing aviation business, huge pool of engineering talent and low labour costs.
The Vice President noted the 14.1% growth over the last five years in passenger traffic was a key indicator of its progress and said that reforms, systematic development of the sector would make a global hub for MRO.
He summed up the industry potential while inaugurating the first International Flight from Vijayawada to Singapore and laying foundation stone for the Integrated Passenger Terminal Building at Vijayawada Airport, in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, on 4 Dec 2018.
The state-of-the-art new terminal will spread in 35,000 sqm is being developed with Rs.611 crores budget to handle 1,200 passengers per day with 24 Check-in counters and 8 gates.
The Vice President said that the new Air connectivity between Andhra Pradesh and Singapore would increase India’s reach in South East Asia.
Andhra Pradesh would become aviation gateway between the two prospering regions and it will boost tourism, he added.
The Vice President tasked the state government to actively promote tourism especially the Budhist Circuit along with other tourist attractions in the state.
Naidu appreciated the efforts of the State and Central governments in facilitating the state of Andhra Pradesh with Air Connectivity under UDAAN Scheme.
He said that the scheme would enable greater connectivity between Vijayawada, Hyderabad and Chennai.
The Vice President also noted the recent aviation initiatives such as development of Vizag Airport at the cost of Rs.90 Crores, extension of runway at Rajahmundry Airport at the cost of Rs.125 Crore and extension of runway at Tirupati Airport at the cost of Rs.114 Crore would give flip to the growth prospects of the state.
Calling aviation sector as the backbone of the global transport system, Naidu said that was indeed an important driver of the economy and the most vital sector for linking businesses, bringing people together and promoting tourism worldwide.
Growth in aviation sector would yield positive results in promoting connectivity and creating jobs, he added.
Naidu said that the government has taken a series of measures to improve infrastructure and regional air connectivity in the country and added that schemes such as UDAN would develop regional connectivity and promote economically viable flights on regional routes.
The Vice President called upon State Governments to partner with the Centre in a true ‘Team India’ spirit for building a new prosperous, inclusive New India by creating the right ecosystem for the growth of various sectors.
The Vice President said that increase in public investments in infrastructure projects of aviation and other areas were contributing in overall development of economy. fiinews.com
