IMPHAL: In a boost to India's 'Look East Policy', Golden Myanmar, a private airline from Myanmar, will begin regular chartered flight services between Mandalay and Imphal from June 27. An aircraft belonging to the airline had landed in Tulihal airport, Imphal West, in November last year during the 10-day Manipur Sangai (tourism) festival.
The Centre has already approved plans to grant 'international airport' status to Tulihal airport. Expansion work is currently underway. The new global air route is part of the bilateral air service agreement signed by India and Myanmar in 2012.
Manipur transport secretary H Laxmikumar said an agreement to start flight services on the Mandalay-Imphal route was inked between K B Enterprises, an Imphal-based firm, and the Myanmar airline's officials recently and added a meeting will be held between the chief secretary and officials of the Airports Authority of India (AAI).
The state transport department has asked the Manipur government to reduce the rate of Value Added Tax (VAT) it imposes on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). At present, the state government imposes 20% as VAT on ATF. Reducing the rate will reduce the ticket prices and attract travelers. When Bhubaneswar airport was upgraded to an international airport, the Odisha government had reduced the VAT rate by 5%.
Proprietor of K B Enterprises P Kunjabihari said Golden Myanmar will start services with an ATR-72 aircraft which can carry 67 passengers. He added that India's consul general in Mandalay has approved plans to issue visas to Myanmarese willing to travel to Imphal.
Laxmikumar said the state government also plans to begin bus services between Imphal and Mandalay. He added that a response from Myanmar is awaited. On internal air connectivity, the senior officer said the state government has sent a proposal to the Centre to begin helicopter service between Imphal and Tamenglong, Moreh and Jiribam subdivision.
Once the Centre agrees, daily chopper services will start. He added that the state will propose similar services between Imphal, Ukhurul and Jessami.