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Paiwang Konyak flagging off the helicopter service under Global Vectra Helicorp Limited on Monday at Dimapur Airport. EM Images[/caption]
Dimapur, Jan. 2: Minister of Transport, Civil Aviation, IT&C and Border Affairs, Paiwang Konyak today flagged off a new State helicopter service under M/s Global Vectra Helicorp Limited at Dimapur Airport which will be functional from January 2, 2017, to December 31, 2018.
Describing the launch of State helicopter service with Global Vectra Helicorp Limited as a convenient mode of travel for a landlocked State with hilly terrain, the legislator gave an account on the amendment of the Civil Aviation Policy of Government of India wherein regional connectivity has been given a major thrust to facilitate air connectivity or revive the underserved airports, airfields and airstrips particularly in northeast region through incentives to the operators benefiting the regions.
He, however, said Nagaland unfortunately does not have such unserved and underserved airports, airfields and airstrips.
Stating that the gestation period for development of infrastructure on airports, airfields and airstrips requires atleast 10 years, he said chopper services can be considered till such time the State government ask for more services in view of the increasing demand under the scheme.
He also pointed that the State helicopter service is operating under certain restrains as helipads of military and para-military were utilised for landing in many district headquarters with imposition of restrictions for security reasons. He said it is not safe to land in open fields as they are unmanned and unmaintained.
In view of the reviewed subsidy categorisation by Government of India for State helicopter service operation, he said the State government cannot afford to exceed the maximum flying hours guaranteed per month due to financial implications.
Drawing attention on the terms and guidelines of the subsidy scheme, he asserted that the permission granted for normal sortie, medical or patient evacuation have to be strictly adhered to since deviation would attract forfeiture of the subsidy claims. On requisitions or chartering by VIPs and VVIPSs and any agency, individual or group, he urged all the concerned to bear the full fare to qualify for continuation of the State Helicopter Service under the scheme.
Conveying gratitude to M/s Pawan Hans Limited, which first set up the helicopter service in Nagaland in 1987, Konyak placed on record that the State government through NST department have been operating the State helicopter service under Memorandum of Understanding with different companies or operators for a period of two years. The different companies included M/s Pawan Hans Ltd (October 1987 to February 1989, December 2007 to January 2010); M/s King Rotors Pvt. Ltd (February 2011 to September 2013), M/s Thumby Aviation Pvt. Ltd (September 2013 to May 2015) and M/s Pawan Hans Ltd (June 2015 to December 2016).
He said the State chief minister TR Zeliang is keenly monitoring the service rendered to the people by State helicopter service and ensuring that the service is utilised in optimum for the benefits of the State.
In this regard, he called upon the people to avail the service and cooperate with the personnel of Global Vectra Helicorp Limited.
Captain Rajbir Singh Brinda, Deputy Chief of Global Vectra Helicorp Limited, said the company has a fleet of 24 helicopters operating in the country adding six more will be inducted very soon. At present, they are operating at 14 locations in the country with Dimapur as their 15th location. He informed that Global Veetra Helicorp Ltd was awarded ‘Operator of the Year Award 2015.’ He disclosed that the company has 97 pilots mostly from army background with 20 years experience.
“The sole purpose of operating in Nagaland is to provide service to the people in evacuation of patients during medical emergencies from remote areas besides other services,” conveyed Brinda.
Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Kesonyu Yhome; Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Liremo Tsopoe; Director of Dimapur Airport Mughavi Zhimo and staff attended the flag off programme on Monday.