Shillong, Nov 14: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma outlined a broad vision for leveraging aviation services to impact everyday lives, from delivering medicines to improving logistics in remote areas.
“There’s immense potential for aviation to transform grassroots communities,” he said, emphasizing the need for continued support and innovation. Conrad K Sangma said this while inaugurating the 6th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit 2024 in Shillong today.
Organized by Pawan Hans Ltd and FICCI, with support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Government of Meghalaya, this summit aims to expand the role of helicopters and small aircraft in enhancing regional connectivity across India.
In his address, Chief Minister Sangma expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Civil Aviation for selecting Shillong as the venue for the summit, marking the first aviation event of its kind in Northeast India. He emphasized that Shillong’s terrain makes it particularly suited for small aircraft and helicopter travel, which are crucial for local socio-economic activities.
Highlighting the challenges of connectivity in Meghalaya and the North-Eastern Region, the Chief Minister noted the essential role that air travel plays in helping the state meet its developmental goals. He urged attendees to think beyond intra-regional connectivity and consider the broader potential of connecting with South Asia.
“A flight from Shillong to Dhaka is under 30 minutes, while a flight to Bangkok is around 1 hour and 15 minutes,” he explained. “Our proximity to Southeast Asia makes destinations like Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Bhutan closer to us than New Delhi, underscoring the potential for tourism, medical services, trade, and logistics across the entire Act East Zone.”
Discussing the state’s aviation goals, Sangma shared that the government is working aggressively to enhance tourism, trade, healthcare, and other critical sectors. He encouraged stakeholders to collaborate, envisioning tourism circuits within the state to attract more visitors. “The Government is committed to supporting all stakeholders, from investors to service providers, in building a strong and integrated aviation ecosystem for Meghalaya and the wider region,” he added.
The Chief Minister also shared his enthusiasm for UDAN 5.5, a version of the regional connectivity scheme tailored for seaplanes and helicopters. This initiative, he noted, would significantly reduce travel time across the Northeast, which currently requires up to 20 hours by bus to reach other state capitals. He thanked the Ministry of Civil Aviation, particularly Union Minister Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, for their commitment to strengthening India’s aviation landscape.
The summit was attended by key industry stakeholders, including operators, equipment manufacturers, maintenance providers, regulators, finance companies, and representatives from state governments, all focused on driving forward the region’s aviation ambitions.
