State to lease out four airfields to private groups

The state has decided to offer its airfields at Pinjore, Karnal, Bhiwani and Narnaul for training courses. It will decide later on expanding the sphere of training, depending on the response to these training facilities. The government has retained the right to withdraw any airfield from this offer.

The proposal is the brainchild of Randeep Singh Surjewala, who is enthusiastic about its success. The minister set the ball rolling for this proposal when he was holding the charge of civil aviation.

“This will open new vistas for those seeking aviation training to start a career, besides making the best use of our airfields,” said Surjewala. He added that the proposal is in an advanced stage now. The government will allow these institutes to run courses were approved by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation.

As of now, most of these airfields are in a bad shape, due to poor maintenance. Officers agree that with private investment, the airfields will see better days. The proposal allows optimum use of airfields and other available facilities for developing aviation-related infrastructure.

The ownership of the airfields will remain with the government. According to the agreement, the institute should set up a facility with the requisite infrastructure, appoint instructors and other manpower within six months of signing of the agreement.

The government has decided to reserve 20 per cent seats at these airfields for Haryana domiciles. Within this 20 per cent, reservation as per the government instructions will apply. So far, the government is not in favour of granting permission for micro-light operations and other adventure or hobby flying, including ballooning etc.

“If the institute wants to run these courses, they may seek approval. The government will consider the issue on merit, by charging a nominal fee,” said Surjewala.

The government is in the process of issuing letters of intent to the successful institutes. The government has decided not to charge any land lease fee from the institutes. It is also contemplating fixing a penalty on those institutes that fail to achieve targeted flying hours in the stipulated period. The penalty structure is yet to be decided.