In a bid to turn the northeast into a prominent trading hub to further the Centre's Act East Policy, Air Asia plans to turn Guwahati into its principal hub for operations in Southeast Asia.
Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal held a meeting with MD and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Asia Amar Abrol in his office chamber in Guwahati and discussed the detailed modalities of starting direct flights between Guwahati and ASEAN countries. Abrol submitted a proposal to Sonowal of Air Asia’s expansion plan in Guwahati and to connect the city with frequent direct flights with Chennai, Hyderabad, Vizag, Bagdogra etc., besides ASEAN countries.
Sonowal said the State government is working very seriously to make Guwahati the nerve of the Centre’s Act East Policy and therefore wants to start direct flights with ASEAN and BBN countries. Sonowal assured to provide all government help to Air Asia and requested the company to materialise international flight services before the festive occasion of Rongali Bihu this year.
Sonowal also informed Abrol that his government, in association with the Union Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is in constant touch with ASEAN countries to persuade them to set up their consulate offices in Guwahati. He also informed that the construction of the new terminal building of LGBI Airport is going on in full swing and very shortly the airport would be transformed into an integrated airport with state-of-the-art facilities for passengers.
Chief Minister's Media and Legal Advisors Hirshikesh Goswami and Shantanu Bharali and Principal Secretary Finance Ravi Kota were also present during the meeting.
