More Airlines planning to begin service from Mangalore soon: M R Vasudeva

More Airlines planning to begin service from Mangalore soon: M R Vasudeva

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Oct 11, 2012: More airline companies are expected to operate from Mangalore to Gulf countries by March 2013 said M R Vasudeva, Director of Mangalore Airport in the ‘Meet the Press’ program held at the Mangalore Press Club on Thursday. October 11.

Addressing reporters, Mr. Vasudev, expressed satisfaction in receiving the International Airport Tag for Mangalore Airport during his tenure. Mr. Vasudeva is expected to retire on Oct 30. 

 

 

 

 

Speaking to media, Mr. Vasudeva said that from the time he joined Mangalore Airport in 2002, the business at the Airport has steadily grown.  The turnover from a mere Rs. 80 lakhs in 2002 to Rs. 9.5 crore in 2010 – 2011 and Rs. 12.5 crore in 2012 - 2013.  The passenger traffic has grown from 2.7 lakh in 2002  to 9.3 lakh in 2012.

Stating that the local people were unwilling to part with the land required to construct an all new airport when he took charge in Mangalore. However, he said that he could convince the local people to support the project and complete it. Today, the airport has received the International Tag with all the facilities like any other.

Regarding the runway extension project, he said that the runway needs to be extended by 1km more, but is not urgent. It requires a further investment of Rs. 1,200 crore. He said that the project can be pursued in future after acquiring the required land.

The ATC will be completely constructed in May, he said that it will have a height of 24ft and will be able to control flights through its 360 degrees view. He said that the airport will be developed further in 2013 - 2014 in a phased manner, depending upon the needs.

Now that the international tag has been attached to the Mangalore Airport, carriers such as Jet Airways, Etihad and Emirates and others can operate flights to the Gulf from here. However, they will first have to submit their plans, which need to get the DGCA’s approval and then forwarded to the AAI, which will then forward it to the concerned destination, he said.

Reminding his audience that the formal notification regarding the airport’s international status has not yet arrived, he said that airlines from different countries can come to Mangalore Airport for approval only after the notification is published in the Gazette. He said that the long-awaited direct flights to Jeddah can finally be made available to the people after completing all the formalities.

Sharing his work experiences, he said that he worked in the ministry of labour in Shimla back in the mid-seventies, after which he got selected as an employment officer. Later, he applied for the post of aerodrome officer and got selected, adding that his experience with various departments gave him a complete picture of how airports are operated. He said that, as an airport director, he had to ensure smooth coordination among various departments in spite of conflicts.

M. R. Vasudev was felicitated by the Press Club President, Ramakrishna with a shawl, a bowl of fruits, a garland, and a memento.