Secretary, Civil Aviation, UT Ladakh, Saugat Biswas had a meeting with the Chairman and Managing Director of SpiceJet Limited, Ajay Singh and discussed various possibilities in aviation sector of Ladakh on June 30 at Civil Secretariat, Ladakh. 

Secretary Civil Aviation highlighted the importance and need for the operation of small fixed-wing aircraft at Kargil Airport which has been a persistent need of the people of Kargil district. 

SpiceJet CMD, Ajay Singh assured Secretary Saugat Biswas to work out a possible solution with regards to the operation of a Bombadier or any other suitable small fixed wing aircraft from Kargil airport. The possibility of operating certain models and makes of aircrafts which are under operation with SpiceJet were discussed and also the coordination required with DGCA etc. The aircrafts under consideration are to be judged against their flying capabilities within the high mountains and keeping safety of the passengers in consideration.  In this regard, the Department of Civil Aviation, Ladakh with the help of the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), GOI has been pursuing the matter with the concerned Agencies including the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

On the sidelines of the discussion CMD, SpiceJet Limited also expressed interest in collaborating with the Department of Civil Aviation UT Ladakh for an MoU to assist in the improvement connectivity and other related infrastructure facilities in Ladakh. He was also requested by Secretary Civil Aviation for exploring ways and means to augment cargo carrying capacity of their aircrafts during the winters, facilitating shipment of fresh vegetables and essential commodities to Ladakh. 

On the request of Secretary, Biswas the CMD SpiceJet, Ajay Singh who is also the President of Boxing Federation of India and Associate V.P of the Indian Olympic Association also expressed his interest in setting up sports facilities in the field of Boxing in Ladakh in collaboration with the Administration of UT Ladakh.

CEO, SpiceHealth, Avni Singh who also participated in the meeting expressed interest in setting up mobile COVID -19 testing laboratories in the UT of Ladakh.