NEW DELHI: Civil Aviation minister Jyotiraditya M Scindia on Tuesday inaugurated three flight training organisations (FTOs) in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh and announced a direct flight connecting the tourist city to Varanasi in UP.

He also inaugurated the fifth Heli Summit 2023 in Khajuraho, and launched regional connectivity scheme UDAN 5.2 and the HeliSewa app during the event.

The 5th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit (Heli Summit 2023) was jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in association with the Madhya Pradesh government, Pawan Hans Ltd., and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

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The opening of three FTOs in Khajuraho brings the total number of FTOs in Madhya Pradesh to six – three in Khajuraho and one each in Indore, Sagar, and Guna. These six FTOs will significantly contribute to the training of pilots for the aviation industry in the state.

During the event, Scindia announced the commencement of wide-body aircraft operations between Khajuraho and Varanasi. “Khajuraho has a rich heritage of culture, and it is our resolve to connect Khajuraho through air travel.”

Flight training organizations have been established at Khajuraho airport 

He highlighted the significant growth in the aviation sector over the past nine years, with the development of 148 airports, including nine heliports and two water aerodromes, and an upcoming target of 200 airports in the next four years. The fleet size has also grown by 75 per cent, from 400 aircraft in 2013 to 700, with plans to increase it further to 1200-1500 in the next 4 to 5 years.

Scindia further shared impressive statistics regarding flying academy organizations, indicating that the number has increased from 28 in 2016 to 57 at present. Moreover, last year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a record number of 1135 commercial pilot licenses, and this year, 731 licenses have already been issued in just five months.

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Scindia emphasized the democratization of the country’s civil aviation sector in the last nine years, noting the expansion of airports, aircraft, and market size. He highlighted the significance of both large metro airports and airlines, as well as small town airports, small airlines, and helicopters.

The launch of UDAN 5.2 for helicopters was also announced during the event, increasing the viability gap funding (VGF) and reducing the fare cap. Moreover, the single window service platform of HeliSewa was introduced, allowing users to obtain all necessary approvals from Air Traffic Control (ATC) on their mobile devices.

Further, UDAN 5.2 for small aircraft was introduced, with 22 routes being awarded, indicating the government’s commitment to provide air travel facilities to citizens in remote areas.

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