"GUJSAIL has planned to explore almost each and every corner of aviation sector in the next 10 years"

SP's ShowNews (SP's): What is GUJSAIL and main objectives of GUJSAIL?

Captain Ajay Chauhan (Chauhan): The aim is to create a state-of-the-art civil aviation infrastructure and system which will make a key contribution in the success of Gujarat and to develop world-class aviation infrastructure which will contribute to growth of trade and tourism and generate employment opportunities across the aviation value chain. Also to develop green field airports at multiple locations in Gujarat and to create employment generation through training school of pilots, stewards, airhostess, etc.

SP's: What are the achievements of GUJSAIL so far? What will be new targets aiming at in near future?

Chauhan: In the span of last five years, GUJSAIL had successfully achieved the targets in various segments of the Aviation Sector with some major achievements like implementation of Regional Connectivity (Intra-State) under the State VGF, Development of New Greenfield Airport at Rajkot, Aviation Training Institute at Mehsana, MRO facility at GUJSAIL Complex, Ahmedabad, Heli Service at Statue of Unity (SoU) and Development at New Airstrip at Ankleshwar, Palitana, Rajpipla, Morbi, Dholavira, Dahej, Ambaji, and Dwarka.

SP's: What are the big challenges you have as a CEO?

Chauhan: The huge challenge which I faced as the CEO, GUJSAIL, is the compliance of technical subject of aviation which governed with sub guidelines/sub rules within guidelines and rules which at times create complication and contradiction and leads to confusion for drawing any conclusion. For enabling us to achieve or comply the requirement of civil aviation authorities, it is very much essential to set the guidelines clearly and specifically, especially when it comes to planning and implementation of the mandatory amendments which are always time bound.

SP's: How do you see the development of GUJSAIL in next 10 years?

Chauhan: GUJSAIL has planned to explore almost each and every corner of aviation sector in the next 10 years. Department has plans to implement MRO development, Regional Connectivity (Intra- State), Heli Services, Aero Sports, Aviation SEZ, disaster and rescue operation and training academy for providing fleet knowledge of the aviation, EMS etc. etc. GUJSAIL also planning to develop, only one its kind the "Aviation Park" to provide good platform for educating the people about the aviation activities; also serve the excellent phenomena for the private players and investors to spare their money for the development of aviation in consultation with the Government.

SP's: What is your wish list for 2020?

Chauhan: GUJSAIL plans to establish an Aviation park in Rajkot to raise awareness about the aviation sector. Also, Gujarat will be the first state in India to have AirPolicing by implementing India's first AirBorne Law. An Air Ambulance services are also in pipeline along with Seaplane tour as a part of the tourism initiative.

We are also working on the establishment of Four Water Aerodromes in association with Ministryof Civil Aviation and AAI which will be at Sabarmati riverfront, Statue of Unity, Shatrunjay Dam and an Aero Sports Hub at Amreli.