Background

Odisha has 19 airports / airstrips of which 12 are state-owned and 13 Heliports. The Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar is licensed for operation of intra-state, inter-state and international flights while the VSS Airport, Jharsuguda, Utkela Airport, Kalahandi and Jeypore Airport, Koraput are providing intra-state and inter-state flights.

International Connectivity

Under the leadership of the Hon’ble Chief Minister, online ticket booking for direct flights to Dubai was inaugurated on April 1, 2023. Commencing operations on May 15, 2023, M/s IndiGo started operations in the Bhubaneswar-Dubai route, fully sponsored by the State Government, with introductory ticket prices set at Rs. 10,000/- (one way) and Rs. 20,000/- (round trip). The Civil Aviationwing expanded international connectivity with addition of direct flights from Bhubaneswar to Singapore and Bangkok on June 3, 2023. It is a first of a kind initiative in India where the State Government is Funding the international flight.

The Financial support is the difference of Operational Cost per Flight and total passenger revenue generated by the flight.Price Cap fixed by State Government- the round-trip fare was @ Rs. 20,000/- for Dubai and @ Rs. 15,000/- for Singapore & Bangkok. Fare Capping Presently, it is applicable for 50% of the seats and remaining 50% are sold on commercial cap.

Regional Connectivity

The frequency of daily flight operations ofUtkela, Rangeilunda and Jeypore started from Bhubaneswar to boost the regional connectivity. All these routes are 100% funded by the State Government and operated by M/s India One Air.Jeypore route showed a growth and due to increased load factor the GoO started the 2^nd flight from Bhubaneswar to Jeypore from 6^th Nov 2023. These initiatives underscore the government's commitment to enhancing air connectivity and promoting regional development.

This strategy enhances air connectivity for passengers, aligning with travel needs and industry requirements. The State government continues its proactive approach, including the initiation of NSOP operations, to explore potential routes and further stimulate air travel.Additionally, the State has given emphasis on skill development programs in aviation, collaborating with industry stakeholders.

Approval was also granted for a flight between Bhubaneswar and Jamshedpur with 100% financial support from the State Government.The government is extending these initiatives to domestic routes, introducing flights connecting Rourkela with Kolkata and Bhubaneswar with Jharsuguda.

As of December 2023, the decision was made to fully fund Alliance Air through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) provided by the state. They will operate four flights weekly in two specific sectors -- Kolkata-Rourkela and Bhubaneswar-Jharsuguda. Each flight accommodates 35 seats, as per the RCS UDAN index, and this arrangement is set to last for a span of six months.

Biju Patnaik Aviation Center (BPAC) - Birasal (GATI)

In1974, Odisha Flying Club was rebranded as the Government Aviation Training institute (GATI) under the Department of Transport.The Government of Odisha is keen to reclaim the legacy of Biju Patnaik stature as an aviation pioneer.The state is fully geared to set up an Aviation Center of Excellence under the banner of Biju Patnaik Aviation Center at Birasal. The facilities that will be available at the aviation centre are as under:

• To Create an ecosystem at Birasal that serves as a one stop solution for wide spectrum of Aviation Training.
• Having a one-stop-shop Training Centre for airlines and Individuals established in the Dhenkanal would provide several benefits to the State.
• Significant cost savings for Airlines on the training front due to training locally.
• Housing for both Pilot and Cabin Crew training under one roof, making it a preferred option for Airlines.
• Generating new direct & indirect jobs for locals.
• Generating additional revenue for Hotels, Airports, Transportation firms,Restaurants, Immigrationauthorities, Tax authorities and other businesses

Under the aegis of BPAC, GoO has signed MoU with GMR Aero Academy and Air India SATS Pvt Ltd for training of 600+ Odisha students on ground handling operations.

Small Aircraft Scheme (Intra State Connectivity)

Odisha boasts numerous airports and helipads, yet gaps exist in intra-state connectivity.To bridge these gaps and enhance accessibility, the Government of Odisha invites proposals from eligible aircraft operators.This RFP seeks market-driven solutions for operating routes or networks using fixed-wing aircraft (Category 1A and 1).To bridge these gaps and enhance accessibility, the Government of Odisha invites proposals from eligible aircraft operators.Competitive bidding determines fixed, per-seat VGF support for selected airlines.This model aims to make commercially non-viable routes financially attractive.

Upcoming

Sri Jagannath International Airport, Puri

Sri Jagannath International Airport will be designed to handle large-scale passenger and freight traffic to accommodate the growing tourism and industrial developments in the area. The airport will feature modern passenger terminals, advanced baggage handling systems, spacious waiting areas, and other facilities to ensure efficient and comfortable travel experiences for passengers.

The location of the airport at Sipasarubali near Girala in Brahmagiri Mouza was chosen due to its close proximity to Puri and its famous Jagannath Temple and other tourist attractions. This airport will thus significantly improve connectivity to this important pilgrimage and tourist city, further boosting its tourism potential.

The new airport is also expected to help cater to the growing demand of international investors visiting the nearby Mega Industrial hubs and IT hub at Bhubaneswar, positioning Puri as a significant player in the country’s trade and commerce space.

Thus, the construction of a Greenfield International Airport at Sipasarubali will greatly enhance Puri's accessibility, fostering stronger connections between the city and the rest of India and the world. The airport represents a significant step forward in the city's development, bringing with it economic growth and improved infrastructure for the citizens and tourists of Puri.

Flight Training Organization:

Government Opportunity: Odisha is offering leases at 8 airstrips for Flight Training Organizations (FTOs) on a Design, Build, Operate, and Maintain (DBOM). The FTO with the highest concession fee per flying hour wins the lease (minimum INR 300/hour/aircraft). Lease rent increases gradually, starting lower in initial years.