Pailan group signs MOU with Yeti Airlines of Nepal

Kolkata, Jun 29 (UNI) Pailan Group, a major private sector business conglomerate in West Bengal, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU) with Yeti Airlines, the largest private domestic airlines in Nepal, for developing the abandoned Behala airport here and start a new domestic airlines under joint venture with a total investment of Rs 500 crore.

Speaking to newsmen after signing the MOU in presence of Transport Minister Subhas Chakraborty, Chairman of Pailan Group Apurba Saha and Managing Director of Yeti Airlines Angshiring Sherpa said the revival programme of the Behala airport included total overhauling of its poor infrastructural facilities like reconstruction of runways and building of new hangers and the Air Traffic Control cabin within the next two to three years.

" Following the remodelling of the airport we plan to start short flight services with a number of 30 seated Dornier type aircraft between Kolkata and different district headquaters where the safe landing facilities would be available, " Mr Saha in presence of Mr Chakraborty said.

He said initially they proposed to start regular fights between Kolkata and Coochbehar, Malda and Behrampore before moving on to Gaya, Patna, Ranchi and Lucknow.

Mr Saha refused to shed any further light on the type of aircraft they proposed to introduce in the sector.

The promoters' prime emphasis at present was to develop the Behala aerodrome and convert it into a modern airport for small aircraft besides starting up an international pilot, engineering and other related aviation training courses there by reviving the old Behala Flying club, Mr Chakraborty said.

Asked about the contribution of both Centre and the state governments for implementing the mega project on time, Mr Chakravarty assured that all steps were being taken to get the necessary safety and other clearances from all government agencies during the intervening period.

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