Shillong: Union Minister of Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, who is on a two-day visit to the state, attended a seaplane demo launch at Umiam Lake (Barapani) along with Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday.
The Civil Aviation Ministry aims to incorporate seaplanes into India’s regular aviation network, highlighting their potential to boost tourism, especially in Meghalaya.
The demonstration featured an aircraft manufactured by DeHavilland from Canada.
The union minister said that seaplanes had the unique potential to connect hard-to-reach destinations, boost tourism, and uplift local economies across the nation.
He added that today’s demonstration embodied the spirit of cooperation between the central government and Meghalaya under the leadership of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
He further stated that Meghalaya’s stunning landscapes, coupled with seaplane connectivity, could attract tourists from both India and abroad, thereby revolutionizing the state’s tourism industry.
The civil aviation minister reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the development of Shillong Airport and Tura Airport to enhance Meghalaya’s air connectivity.
The minister participated in the 6th Helicopters & Small Aircraft Summit in Shillong, organized by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and supported by the Meghalaya govt, Pawan Hans Ltd, and FICCI.
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Inaugurating the sixth Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit 2024, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma emphasized the crucial role of air travel in improving connectivity within the Northeastern region.
