With the construction of Changi's proposed airport at Andal near Durgapur in West Bengal going on in full swing, to meet the 2012-end deadline, promoter Bengal Aerotropolis Projects (BAPL) has initiated talks with major airlines for participation.

"We were always confident about the potentiality of the airport due to the huge a catchment area in the Durgapur-Asansol-Dhanbad region. There are several public sector units here like the Durgapur Steel Plant, Eastern Coalfields, Bharat Coking Coal and IISCO Steel Plant. We expect several airlines to operate flights from Andal," BAPL Chief Executive Officer and Director Subrata Paul said during an aviation summit there.

Travel agents and officials from the PSU, too, were present at the event showcasing facilities at Andal airport city. 

Airlines representatives were "impressed by the projected facilities", but would conduct independent surveys before taking a final call. "Changi's association will surely instill confidence among the carriers. But, we will have to look into many operational aspects such as traffic potential and infrastructure like number of hotel rooms available in case of cancellation of flights etc," said an official of a private airline.

Operators, however, may seek incentives from the state government in the form of cut in sales tax on aviation turbine fuel (ATF).

"We will definitely look into the operational costs, what the BAPL or state is offering. In states like Maharashtra, at non-metro airports, sales tax on fuel is four per cent against 20 per cent in case of airports in metros. We will see how the state comes forward here," said officials of another airline.

(You need to login first to read complete news).
New User? Register for FREE!
» Back to Travel News