Arguments against shifting helicopter ops to Juhu refuted by airport officials

Mumbai: Airport officials have debunked the argument by select business houses opposing the moving of helicopter operations from Mumbai airport to the Juhu aerodrome. The Hindustan Times, on December 15, had reported that industrialist Mukesh Ambani and his brother Anil had separately written to the civil
aviation ministry opposing the decision to shift chopper operations to Juhu citing inadequate ground infrastructure. The move came after the Airport Authority of India (AAI), on December 10, stopped private helicopter operations from Mumbai airport to reduce congestion.
"Juhu is one of the busiest airstrips for helicopter operations in the country. Its aircraft hangars for parking, maintenance and repairs are perfect," said a senior ground staff at Juhu, requesting anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to the media.
According to industry estimates, the Juhu aerodrome accounts for 75% of helicopter traffic in the country followed by Delhi and Pune.
Airport sources said corporate houses are reluctant to shift chopper operations to Juhu because the air traffic control (ATC) management set up in Juhu is rigid compared to the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport
17/12/10 Soubhik Mitra/Hindustan Times

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Categories: Airports Dec 2010