For Vasudevan Thulasidas, a former IAS officer, it is a moment to cherish when an Air India Express flight takes off from the Kannur international airport on December 9. As special officer and later managing director of Kannur International Airport Ltd (KIAL), he led the team to realise the fourth international airport of the State. He speaks to S. Anil Radhakrishnanon the airport’s entry in the aviation map and the way ahead.
How challenging was to construct an airport 120 km away the Kozhikode international airport ?
Land acquisition was anticipated to be a challenge but it did not turn up so. The rehabilitation policy of the government made the difference. The terrain was a challenge and we could complete the work in four years. Such a quantum of earthwork might not have taken place for any other airport in the country. Raising funds was not much of a problem as the government was the prime mover. Individuals, Non-Resident Keralites from north Malabar to big investors came forward to support the project and we have close to 7,000 shareholders now.
Is everything in place at the airport ?
The requisite infrastructure for the airport to commence commercial flight operations is in place. All formalities of the Airports Authority of India and the Director General of Civil Aviation have been completed. We are ready to fly.
The immediate priorities before KIAL?
The focus will be to enhance flights from Kannur to South East Asia and improve the non-aeronautical sources of revenue. We have to generate revenue to meet expenses. As per the new greenfield airport policy, we have to pay for getting the services of the Customs, Airports Authority of India, Bureau of Immigration, and other agencies. Overnight, we cannot have all the desired flights and it will take time to build up. We need money to pay for the services. The support of the Centre is needed to get more domestic and international flights and generate revenue. Foreign carriers are yet to get the nod to operate to Kannur although many have evinced interest. Space dispensation of the Centre not linked to bilateral agreements is the need of the hour.
Was the airport able to generate employment to local people?
Local people have benefited from the project as services such as ground handling, house keeping, and flight catering have been outsourced. We have been told that the agencies who bagged the contract had roped in locals for various jobs. Flight catering of Casino Group and the upcoming international cargo complex will fetch more employment to the local people.
Will the airport trigger development in north Malabar?
Setting up a big airport at Nedumbaserry in the public-private partnership mode has altered the face of Kochi. The economic development witnessed in Kochi will also take place in north Malabar and the Coorg-Mysuru belt . Kannur airport is going to play a pivotal role in development initiatives and growth of tourism.
What are the priortised works at the airport?
Completing the CAT-I approach light is the first priority. Extending the apron to accommodate another 22 aircraft will enable parking of 42 aircraft at a time. Hydrant refuelling for aircraft will be taken up by laying underground pipes first in the existing apron that can park 20 aircraft. The extension of runway to 4,000 m and a parallel taxi track are the other challenges. Land is not a problem for development and, if needed, a second runway is also possible.
Will an airport director head the operations of Kannur airport as in the other airports ?
We have dispensed with the post of airport director and have selected a chief operations officer to take care of the airport operations. An executive director, engineering, will take care of the engineering works. A modern airport with the latest facilities is in place and it is going to stand out and will be the USP of the Kannur airport.
