Quitol may get aero sports hub for drone testing, skydiving
State govt is looking at setting up an aero sports hub on 2 lakh sqm at Quitol Industrial Estate, where adventure activities such as skydiving, microlight aircraft operations, paragliding, hot air balloon rides, drone racing and drone testing could be offered.
State govt has already received a proposal from a private firm, Skydiving Adventures Pvt Ltd, to set up the integrated hub on the Quitol plateau.
The private firm submitted the proposal on March 17 for consideration to the tourism department and the Goa Investment Promotion Board. Though yet to be approved, the proposal has found backing within govt because of the investment that it could bring into the state.
'The company intends to establish India's first integrated aero sports and aviation ecosystem that combines adventure tourism, aviation training, drone manufacturing, and hospitality,' said a govt official.
Goa is also working on a dedicated policy for aero sports to ensure safety and adherence to international standards. Govt has not announced a date for the policy to be released.
'The most exciting project on the horizon is our proposed aero sports hub, which will be a first of its kind in India. If approved, this hub will create a safe world-class destination for aero sports and drone innovation featuring skydiving facilities and a vertical wind tunnel for a safe indoor skydiving experience,' said tourism minister Rohan Khaunte at the western region civil aviation minister's conference.
State govt also wants to set up a flight training institute.
Given the proximity between the Goa International Airport and Quitol Industrial Estate, a seamless sea-air-cruise tourism ecosystem could be developed, say officials.
The Rs 120 crore project, if approved, could potentially create 186 jobs, of which around 25% would be for Goans. Govt has expressed concern about most of the jobs being given to non-Goans.
The project will require Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) certifications and approvals.
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