In order to promote general aviation activities of helicopter and small aircrafts in the state, the Civil Aviation Department is developing a technical complex at Satwari near Jammu Airport. The complex, once ready, can also be used to start flying school, which will be first of its kind in the state.
The Civil Aviation Department has also taken up with Airport Authority of India (AAI) to develop Kishtwar Airport to be funded by the AAI. In addition, a survey is also being conducted to develop a landing strip at Surankote, Poonch in collaboration with AAI, after which a comprehensive Draft Project Report (DPR) would be formulated to be planned and funded by the state.
With a goal of promoting international tourism along with local tourism, the department also plans to launch heli-skiing operations along with the helicopter services to various tourist destinations in the state by inviting private parties and helping them to establish their operations.
The department has will upgrade the Nehru Helipad to accommodate larger helicopters.
The department has also been instrumental in streamlining the airlift provided by the Indian Air Force to various far-flung areas of the state in Ladakh and Gurez sector. During winter, a regular AN-32 courier service is operating between Kargil-Srinagar and Kargil-Jammu.
Airlift by helicopters during winters to Zanskar-Padam areas from Kargil, Lingshed from Leh and to Gurez from Bandipora also forms a part of the civil aviation department.
The department has been effectively rendering its services during natural calamities.
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