*The consultation, also involving other government departments and private players, was to identify the pain points, narrow down key focus points of the proposed policy, and finalise proposed incentives.

*The consultation was very productive with all stakeholders coming up with excellent inputs and suggestions for the proposed policy.

Gandhinagar: The Gujarat State Aviation Infrastructure Company Limited (GUJSAIL), the nodal agency for the development of aviation and related infrastructure in Gujarat, held a stakeholder consultation as a part of the preparation of the Gujarat Aviation Policy.

Stakeholder consultation is an important part of any policy preparation to identify and address the pain points faced by stakeholders, narrow down the key focus points of the proposed policy, discuss financial implications, and finalise proposed incentives. GUJSAIL has identified seven themes as a part of the proposed aviation policy, which include enhancing airport and allied infrastructure, air cargo, supporting maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and industrial ecosystem, developing aero sports, improving regional connectivity, boosting R&D, training, &startups, and aircraft financing and leasing.

“The Gujarat government is committed to the growth of the aviation sector and coming out with the best policy that can play the role of a catalyst in the further growth of aviation. We discussed if any specific focus areas or incentives or reforms are needed to be included in the policy to attract more participation from private players, generate employment, and bring more investment to the state. The consultation was very productive with all stakeholders coming up with excellent inputs and suggestions. There is a lot more clarity about what the stakeholders expect from the proposed policy, and will have more such consultations if the need arises,” said Captain Ajay Chauhan, CEO, GUJSAIL, and Director, Civil Aviation Department.

GUJSAIL, which won the award for the “Best State with a Dedicated Outlook for the (Aviation) Sector” at the recent WINGS India 2022, Asia’s largest event on civil aviation, has launched or announced several initiatives in recent times. To bring smaller cities on the air map, the state has introduced a regional air connectivity scheme, under which four routes are already operational and another route is planned to be operationalised in the coming weeks. GUJSAIL has launched a pilot project of Helicopter Joyride at Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad to boost both aviation and tourism sectors and has also launched the first state-specific air ambulance service for medical emergencies.

“The growth of aviation is directly linked with tourism, which also has a multiplier effect on the economy. GUJSAIL is committed to the growth of aviation infrastructure in the state. Three state-owned airstrips are being developed at Mehsana, Amreli, and Mandvi. Similarly, new airstrips are being developed at Ankleshwar, Morbi, Rajpipla, and Dwarka, besides water aerodromes at Sabarmati Riverfront and Statue of Unity,” said Captain Chauhan.

The stakeholder consultation was attended by senior officials from the Department of Science & Technology, Tourism Corporation of Gujarat Limited, and Gujarat Infrastructure Development Board, along with various private players connected with the aviation industry, and moderated by Deloitte.