Indian Airports continue to blossom

As a result of the influx of air traffic in the past decade, AAI have embarked upon a plan to modernise and upgrade its airports with two aims; firstly, to not only match but to keep on top of the increase of air traffic, and secondly, to create world class standard airports within India for the comfort and benefit of passengers.

Sixty airports within the country were identified as candidates for the modernisation programme. The theory behind the initiative is to develop state capitals and other airports which have the potential to attract tourist and business travellers who can contribute towards the economic growth of that particular region.

The level of investment involved has certainly mirrored the size and magnitude of this project. Indeed, the fact that the capital expenditure of the AAI five year plan has increased by 300 per cent shows the scope of what we are trying to achieve with this modernisation.

The upgrade of Kolkata and Chennai Airports has cost in the region of Rs.43 billion. The majority of other airport infrastructure projects have been completed or are nearing completion. The facilities provided are not only user friendly but also of a standard that is based on the latest state-of-the-art technologies. As things stand, all critical areas have been dealt with as part of our plans for airport modernisation. However, we are fully conscious that the initiative will be a continuous process and one that requires the upmost attention to come in line with other top airports from around the world.

In addition to the ground based airport infrastructure, AAI has taken many steps in modernising its CNS-ATM facilities including the ‘master plan’ for the implementation of FANS (Future Air Navigation System). This includes the shift from Voice Communication to Digital Data Communication, from Ground Based Navigation to Satellite Based Navigation (specifically the GAGAN-Indian SBAS) and Modern Radar coverage with ADS-B. The implementation of the CNS-ATM master plan will put India amongst the elite group of countries who have implemented an efficient ATM system that is supported by a strong and robust CNS infrastructure. This infrastructure will consist of a Digital Data Unit, integrated ATM automation network, SWIM (System Wide Information Management) and the Separation Management System. The initiative will also provide a safe, cost efficient and environment friendly ATM service that applies the ‘gate to gate’ theory to achieve a ‘Collaborative and Co-ordinated Global Approach’. Our goal is also to ensure the harmonisation and adoption of all technological solutions involved.

To assist with the evaluation process we have taken advantage of forums such as RDG in Vancouver, Canada and have put 16 of AAI airports onto the Routes Online website which is frequently visited by major airlines and other stakeholders of global aviation. We also hosted for the first ever time in India, the sixth ACI Asia- Pacific Regional Assembly, Conference and Exhibition. This was a unique forum for us to show case our strength and expertise to nearly 400 delegates from around the world.

It would be apt for me conclude on an optimistic note by assuring all air passengers flying to India, that we at AAI are successfully managing 125 airports and the whole of the Indian and adjoining oceanic airspace as identified by ICAO. You can be sure that are you are not only in safe hands but you will enjoy our hospitality that keeps with true Indian traditions at our modern airports.

About the Author

V. P. Agrawal served as a Member of Planning at Airports Authority of India (AAI) for over two years. Mr. Agrawal was associated with the challenging task of upgrading and creating world class infrastructure at 35 non-metro airports, setting up of greenfield airports besides modernisation of Chennai and Kolkata airports in India, provision of state-of-the-art CNS/ ATM Equipment and the prestigious GAGAN Project. Earlier, he also served as Regional Executive Director, Northern Region and North Eastern Region at AAI. During this tenure, he was responsible for ensuring timely completion and execution of all projects at AAI. He was associated with major engineering site preparation works for ATC automation at Delhi Airport. Mr. Agrawal holds vast experience in engineering with specialisation in Airport Management, Airport Planning, Passenger Facilitation and Expansion and Modification of Airports. He has been the Chairman and Director of Airports Authority of India since January 2009.