Union Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurated the Heli Summit 2023 in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh. The event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Government of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Hans Ltd, and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), focused on the theme of Reaching the Last Mile: Regional Connectivity through Helicopters and Small Aircraft.
During the event, Minister Scindia also launched RCS UDAN 5.2 and HeliSewa-App. The UDAN scheme aims to improve air connectivity in tier II and tier III cities by enhancing aviation infrastructure.
In his speech, Minister Scindia highlighted the democratization of the country’s civil aviation sector in recent years. He emphasized the importance of not only large metro airports and airlines but also small town airports, small airlines, and helicopters in the expansion of the sector.
Under UDAN 5.2, the government has increased the Viable Gap Funding (VGF) and reduced the fare cap for helicopters. Additionally, the HeliSewa platform was introduced to provide a single-window service for obtaining all necessary approvals from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) through a mobile application.
The government’s commitment to improving regional connectivity is evident through the approval of the ‘Revival of unserved and under-served airports’ scheme. This initiative aims to revive and develop 100 unserved and under-served airports, helipads, and water aerodromes by 2024.
The Heli Summit 2023 and the launch of RCS UDAN 5.2 and HeliSewa-App mark significant milestones in the development of India’s civil aviation sector. The focus on regional connectivity and the inclusion of smaller airports and helicopters reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring comprehensive air transportation across the country.
With the completion of five years, the UDAN scheme has already made significant progress in enhancing air connectivity and promoting economic growth in tier II and tier III cities. The launch of RCS UDAN 5.2 and the HeliSewa-App will further fuel this growth by improving accessibility and convenience for travelers.
The Heli Summit 2023 witnessed the participation of industry leaders, policymakers, and aviation experts who discussed ways to overcome challenges and further enhance regional connectivity through helicopters and small aircraft. The event provided a platform for exchanging ideas, promoting collaborations, and exploring new opportunities in the sector.
As the civil aviation sector continues to expand and evolve, efforts like the Heli Summit 2023 and the implementation of initiatives such as RCS UDAN 5.2 and HeliSewa-App will play a crucial role in bridging the gap between urban and rural areas, improving regional connectivity, and unlocking the full potential of India’s aviation industry.
