Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 01 2009:
Almost all the pre-requisites for commencement of land landing at Imphal Airport has been completed with the only procedural impediment being the safety aspect, according to Imphal Airport's Joint General Manager (Aero) VN Chandra.
Participating in the 14th anniversary celebration of Airport Authority of India at Tulihal (Imphal) Airport today, Chandra confided that other relevant reports for commencing night landing had been prepared and forwarded by the AAI's Imphal Airport officials to the Director General of Civil Aviation.
owing to pending safety assessment report to the DG (CV) the latter's issuance of certification is also awaited consequently leading to holding back of the night-flight plan for the time being.
During the power point presentation at the anniversary celebration, the JGM listed installation of solar power obstruction light (SPOL), through assistance of the State Government, at five points around the Airport complex as one of the significant accomplishments of the Imphal AAI towards realisation of the night landing facility.
Chandra said since establishment of AAI on this day in 1995 the number of airports under its purview has reached 124 with 35 of them categorised as metro airports among which Imphal Airport is also one.
He also informed of AAI looking after 12 international airports, two customs airports and 81 domestic flight landing facilities throughout the country.
Highlighting that Imphal Airport was established on April 14, 1961 with the landing of VT CQL, DC-3 type of aircraft marking the inaugural sojourn, Chandra further noted that Imphal Airport was recognised in 1999 by the AAI as a model airport which currently handles about 29,000 passengers, including 6000 visitors on a monthly basis.
Regarding security arrangement of Imphal Airport, he disclosed of deployment of 179 personnel of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) from 2006 which would be increased to 250 very soon.
While Imphal Airport's JGM (Communication) K Ganesan also elaborated on other highlights of the Tulihal airport at the occasion, Director (Transport) Norbert Disinang expressed elation that people of the State would soon avail night landing facilities.
Commissioner (Transport) H Imocha was the chief guest of anniversary celebration which was also attended by the CISF Deputy Commandant Anit Sharma.