Dialogue

‘With nearly seven airports planned, the future of aviation in AP looks bright’

The new international airport coming up at Hyderabad is making headlines for its technology, architecture, and runway length. Consequently, the entire state of Andhra Pradesh, and, the country, are taking note. K Brahmananda Reddy, IRAS, special secretary to government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP), Transport, Roads & Buildings (Ports) Department (T R &B) speaks to Vyas Sivanand about the new initiatives undertaken and the existing airports' renovations.

K Brahmananda Reddy IRAS

What are your comments on the growth in AP's aviation sector- both passenger and cargo?

From the infrastructure point of view, Andhra Pradesh is doing very well in comparison to any other part of the country, especially in aviation. As far as aviation activity is concerned, passenger growth in Andhra Pradesh has been much more than any other state in the country.

The state is witnessing a current growth rate of about 12-13 percent across but we expect that by end of 2007, it will touch 18 percent as against a national average of 8-9 percent.

Passenger growth (passenger per million dealt in a year), especially in Hyderabad, is growing at a rate of 47 per cent in comparison to the national average of 28 per cent.

Since the last two years, Vizag has been growing at a rate of 67 per cent per annum. Vijayawada is also doing well with a 35 per cent growth and Tirupati is exceeding a growth rate of 30 per cent.

In Vizag, Tirupati, Rajahmundry, and Vijayawada, a concrete assessment of air cargo has not been done and the numbers are also not much, but with the commencement of night landing and the arrival of more aircrafts, the numbers are bound to grow.

When are you commencing commercial operations at the new international airport in Hyderabad?

We are commencing commercial operations at the international airport of Hyderabad by March 2008. According to the original plan, we had planned a capacity of 3.5 million passengers per annum, but now, the airport can handle 12 million passengers per annum.

How many international flights land presently in the current Hyderabad airport and how many do you feel would be the number once the new international airport commences operation?

Currently there are 47 international flights per week from Hyderabad, but due to certain restrictions and bird hit cases, several international airlines are not willing to start their flights from the city. But with the new international airport, we are sure more airlines will commence operations. The geographical location is also favourable. We are looking at flights from South East Asian countries, USA, Canada, Australia and other countries.

What will happen to the current airport after the opening of the international airport?

After the international airport commences commercial operations, the current Begumpet airport will cease to operate. But it is proposed to convert it into an aviation university. We have got clearance, in principle, from GOI to start an aviation institute, a year back.

A joint venture between AAI and the Government of Andhra Pradesh will take place and AAI will confine itself specifically to the technical aspects of training and also providing in-service training to their employees. Their proposal is to start an advance aviation institute of technology and management in affiliation with Andhra Pradesh Aviation University.

What are the highlights of the renovation work in other airports of the state?

With nearly 6-7 airports coming up in the state, the future of aviation looks very bright.

Realising the potential of Vizag, the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh has taken up the issue with the government of India to construct an international airport. We have already corresponded with the AAI to take up the survey. Four sites have been short-listed. After the initial survey by AAI, we will be going in for a PPP model just like that of the Hyderabad airport. In Vizag we have enabled night landing facilities in the existing defense airport.

Recently, an MoU was signed with the AAI for expansion of Rajahmundry and Vijayawada airports.

Vijayawada has a domestic airport, but we are planning to expand it. At present, the runway length is about 5725 metres and it has been planned to expand it to 7500 metres to facilitate landing of bigger aircrafts. Also, the terminal buildings will be renovated. At present we are handling only about 100 passengers at any point of time, but after the proposed renovation, we will be able to handle about 300 passengers during peak time.

Also, we are providing Doppler (a very high frequency operating system) which can locate landing of flights up to approximately 150-200 kms. The flight landing system is also being upgraded. By increasing the length and providing more parking spaces, we will be able to attract more flights.

Rajahmundry airport's runway length is also being increased to 7500m. By next year night landing facilities will start. The terminal building is being renovated at a cost of Rs 18 crores to handle about 200 passengers at a time. In addition to providing night landing facilities, the high frequency Doppler system is being installed at a cost of Rs 2 crores.

How much has been earmarked for investing in these projects?

We are looking at a total investment of Rs 150 crore in Vijayawada and Rs 100-110 crores in Rajahmundry. Small airports are being planned in other places and the feasibility report is being dealt by the investment and infrastructure department.