Kannur Airport To Undergo Major Transformation Within Year, says Keralam CM

Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan on Monday announced that major changes would be implemented at Kannur International Airport within a year to transform it into an aviation hub, including efforts to secure 'point of call' status and establish a pilot training centre. 

Inaugurating the newly established international air cargo complex and a 4 MW solar power project at the airport, Satheesan said the state government had taken important decisions to develop airports in Keralam, including Kannur, into aviation hubs that would contribute to the state's GDP.

The



absence of 'point of call' status had restricted Kannur airport from operating international services, and efforts would be made to resolve the issue, he said. 

Airlines, including Air India, have placed orders for around 2,000 aircraft, which would lead to a major shortage of pilots in the country when they are delivered, the chief minister said. 

Considering this, a pilot training centre would be established at Kannur, he said, adding that plans were also underway for a helicopter pilot training centre, aircraft maintenance facilities and a simulator training centre.