Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma attended the 6th Helicopter and Small Aircraft Summit 2024 in Shillong, alongside Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, who was in the state for a two-day visit. The summit brought together key aviation stakeholders and state governments from the Northeast, discussing strategies for strengthening regional connectivity and promoting economic development through the aviation sector.
The visit coincided with the scheduled launch of demo seaplane operations at Umiam Lake, where the dignitaries participated in a live demonstration. CM Sangma, along with Naidu and Meghalaya Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, boarded the seaplane, which offered breathtaking aerial views of the lake before taking off for a brief flight. This test flight, part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s UDAN scheme, aims to explore the feasibility of inland transport using amphibious aircraft.
In his speech at the summit, CM Sangma highlighted the critical importance of regional connectivity for the Northeast and emphasized Meghalaya’s strategic position in advancing the central government’s Act East Policy. He also noted the state’s proximity to several South East Asian countries, positioning it as a key player in regional economic growth through enhanced aviation infrastructure.
The summit, organized by the Meghalaya government in collaboration with Pawan Hans Ltd. and FICCI, also served as a platform for stakeholders to discuss further tapping into the Northeast’s potential to foster growth in the aviation industry.