Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 13: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to ask regional carriers to use twin-engine aircraft such as CRJ, ATR and Embraer to ensure safety of operations and greater comfort compared to single-engine aircraft.
Twin engine aircraft may be used for connecting Bhubaneswar with Ranchi and Raipur via Rourkela because of the possibility of getting adequate traffic, said AAI. Big aircraft are more comfortable than single-engine ones such as Cessna Grand Caravan and Lancair, it said.
“ATR and CRJ type aircraft may be used by operators to ensure more comfort and financial viability for passengers,” airport director Sharad Kumar said.
However, AAI would have to expand the length of the runway in Jharsuguda, Angul, Rourkela and Jeypore, as well as other airstrips, to facilitate movement of aircraft such as ATR and CRJ that can accommodate around 70 people at a time.
Representatives of regional airlines recently had a meeting with senior general administration department officials where they had sought heavy subsidies to commence intra-state operations.
Air Odisha’s director (corporate affairs) Trideep Rout said big aircraft cannot be used in many places in Orissa as existing airstrips are not fit for operations. However, Rout admitted that Ranchi and Raipur can be connected with Bhubaneswar as soon as Air Odisha receives its second aircraft.
Rout also rubbished the idea of using big aircraft for intra-state operations because of poor passenger influx and infrastructure at airstrips in the state, adding that aircraft such as the Cessna Grand Caravan need less maintenance and are ideal for the purpose.
