Hub-and-spoke for better air connectivity in northeast

New Delhi: The Government is considering a proposal for providing better air connectivity in the northeast, based on hub-and-spoke operations out of Guwahati. The initial response of the Planning Commission to the proposal, prepared by the Bangalore-based public sector Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), has been encouraging.
The proposal and a presentation were submitted to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last week.
In his initial comments, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman M.S. Ahluwalia favoured creation of a separate airline for the northeast that is effectively subsidised by mainstream airlines.Making out a case for Dornier-based operations, HAL says small, short haul and turbo-prop aircraft would be needed for effective operations in the northeast. This requirement can be met with 19-seater DO-228 aircraft manufactured by HAL.
12/07/06 Vinay Kumar/The Hindu

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