ES Newsdesk

ITANAGAR, Jul 19: The first flight, a calibration aircraft, operated by the Airports Authority of India, landed at the Greenfield Airport, Hollongi to calibrate the airport instrumentation systems ahead of the August 15 operationalization of the airport.
A Dornier aircraft, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, landed at the airport at around 9.30 am. Successive calibration flights will continue to ensure that airport is safe and fit for inauguration of flight of passenger aircraft as per schedule.
The crew members - Capt. Anoop Kachroo & Capt. Shakti Singh, Pilots and Naveen Dudi & Hardeep Singh, Flight Inspectors were accorded a warm welcome by Dr. Sharat Chauhan, Principal Secretary Finance, Swapnil Naik, Secretary (Civil Aviation) and Tamuna Messar, Director Civil Aviation with officers and staff of AAI and contractor (DRAL) Company.
 "AAI first flight test landing done at Hollongi Greenfield Airport today. As promised, we have completed the Hollongi Airport before time frame. It will be commissioned on 15th August 2022 and will be available for passengers,” State Civil Aviation Minister Nakap Nalo tweeted.
Developed by the AAI with an estimated cost of Rs 645 crore, the Hollongi airport can accommodate 200 passengers during peak hours. It has eight check-in counters.
“Arunachal Pradesh Soaring High! A proud moment for us all as we cross yet another milestone in our efforts to operationalise Hollongi Greenfield Airport with first flight test landing by AAI. Grateful to Hon PM Shri @narendramodi Ji and Hon Minister @JM_Scindia Ji. Kudos team,” Chief Minister Pema Khandu said in a Twitter post.
Earlier, the completion target of the project, the foundation of which was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was in November this year. Later, it has been advanced to August.
Once commissioned, the airport will be the first in the state with a runway of 2,300 metres, suitable for the landing and take-off of Boeing 747, one of the largest passenger aircraft.
With an area of 4,100 sqm, the airport would be equipped with all modern facilities for passengers. The terminal will be an energy-efficient building with a rainwater harvesting system and sustainable landscape.
Giving his reaction on the occasion, Sharat Chauhan, Principal Secretary Finance,  stated that it is a proud moment for all of Arunachal Pradesh and also a historic milestone for Civil Aviation in the country as we celebrate Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav in the 75th year of Indian Independence.  He further stated that on this occasion, he would like to sincerely thank all the agencies and persons associated with this transformational Greenfield Project and expressed gratitude for the personal leadership of the Chief Minister and fullest cooperation extended by all Members of the Council of Ministers, which made this aspiration into reality.
He further added that today is indeed a ‘sky blue’ letter day as the continued development of Arunachal Pradesh takes further flight. 
More than 90% of the temporary terminal building has been completed and most of the works required for the operationalisation of the airport are planned to be completed by July 25 next. Chief Secretary Dharmendra is making all efforts to start commercial operations in the near future. The Civil Aviation Department is co-ordinating with AAI and other agencies concerned to get due clearances for licencing and operationalising the Airport on time, the government informed.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
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