DIMAPUR, JULY 8 (MExN): A brand new airline based out of Guwahati and connecting all capitals of the North East states is likely to be introduced very soon. According to a report on the Business Insider India, this is for the first time that the Indian government has decided to launch a subsidiary to provide connectivity within the Northeastern part of the country, many areas of which lose out on potential tourism revenue because of lesser air connectivity. The to-be launched airlines will be a subsidiary of Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd, and would most likely start its operations with a fleet of 6 fixed-wing planes and 5 helicopters. The planned subsidiary will have an equity base of Rs 150 crore, with 51% of its shares owned by Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd while the North Eastern Council (NEC) will own the rest 49%. “It was during a meeting of all state chief ministers from the North East and Department of North Eastern Region minister Jitendra Singh that the decision to start this airline was taken,” the Business Insider India reported. “A proposal has come to the aviation ministry and has also been sent to NEC for approval,” the report quoted a government official as saying.
