Meghalaya Hosts Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit 2024
The 6th Helicopter & Small Aircraft Summit 2024 was inaugurated in Shillong, Meghalaya, on November 15, 2024. The event, held at Courtyard by Marriott, was organized by Pawan Hans Ltd in collaboration with FICCI, with support from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Meghalaya government.
The summit aims to enhance the use of helicopters and small aircraft across India, with a particular focus on addressing the challenges of connectivity in regions like the Northeast. Conrad K Sangma, the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, highlighted the importance of air travel in overcoming the state's geographical barriers and fostering socio-economic growth.
The Chief Minister also noted that Shillong's strategic location positions it as a hub for connectivity within South Asia, emphasizing its proximity to cities in Bangladesh, Southeast Asia, and other neighboring regions. He outlined potential benefits in tourism, trade, medical services, and logistics that could arise from improved aviation links.
During the event, Sangma discussed the government’s efforts to enhance tourism and trade through infrastructure upgrades and emphasized the potential of aviation services for initiatives such as medicine delivery and logistics. He urged stakeholders, including investors and service providers, to collaborate in creating a robust aviation ecosystem in the region.
The summit brought together various industry participants, including operators, original equipment manufacturers, maintenance providers, regulators, and financing companies, alongside representatives from state governments.
The Chief Minister also expressed optimism about the recently launched UDAN Scheme 5.5, which promotes seaplanes and helicopters, noting its significance for improving connectivity and reducing travel times in the Northeast.
The event is part of broader efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure and services across India, with a focus on regions facing unique connectivity challenges.