Nara Lokesh Urges Air India to Build International Airport in AP

At the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Nara Lokesh, the Minister for Education, IT, and Electronics in Andhra Pradesh, has formally requested Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, to prioritize the establishment of an international airport within the Capital Region Development Authority (CRDA) of Andhra Pradesh. This appeal came amid discussions on expanding the state’s aviation infrastructure and boosting its global connectivity.

Lokesh highlighted that the state’s seven operational airports had already handled a significant 52.51 lakh passengers this year. He proposed that Air India play a pivotal role in the development of a major international airport in the CRDA region, spanning between 3,000 to 5,000 acres. He likened the potential of this airport to that of Dubai’s aviation hub, stressing that it would significantly enhance Andhra Pradesh’s position in global aviation and attract international traffic and investments.

In addition to the airport, Lokesh urged the establishment of a regional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub at Visakhapatnam Airport. The proposed MRO facility would not only support Air India’s operational efficiency but also generate local employment opportunities and spur the growth of related industries. He highlighted the potential for such a hub to act as a catalyst for economic development in the region.

Lokesh also raised the need for aviation training facilities in Andhra Pradesh. Pointing out that India is expected to require 20,000 new pilots in the next decade, he called for the establishment of flying schools in the state to address the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals.

In response, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson acknowledged the importance of the aviation sector’s growth in the country. He shared that Air India is already enhancing its operational hubs across major cities and is planning to expand its MRO network in other locations, including a newly inaugurated facility in Bangalore. Wilson assured that the Andhra Pradesh government’s proposals would be reviewed by the airline’s board, and a decision would be made accordingly.

On the sidelines of the WEF, Nara Lokesh also engaged in discussions with Matthew Uk Chang, the Executive Director of the National University of Singapore, about potential collaborations in research and development. Lokesh proposed joint research initiatives in fields such as agriculture, biotechnology, and sustainable practices, which could involve partnerships between the National University of Singapore and universities in Andhra Pradesh. He also advocated for the establishment of research laboratories in the state to foster innovation and academic collaboration.

In another key meeting at Davos, Lokesh met with Anurag Jain, CEO of Access Healthcare, to discuss possible investments in healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), and robotics startups in Andhra Pradesh. Lokesh highlighted the state’s potential for growth in these sectors and emphasized the importance of integrating process automation solutions to improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes within the healthcare system.

Moreover, Lokesh encouraged the development of sports infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh, particularly focusing on cricket and other youth-oriented sports. He invited Jain’s subsidiary, Anurag Jain Sports Management, to consider organizing training programs and investing in the state’s sports ecosystem.