Dr. Sarma assures all support to develop Guwahati as the best aviation and logistics hub

IIT Guwahati inks a memorandum of agreement with Airbus India Pvt limited

MoA will address current skills gap and ignite sustained growth in aviation sector: CM

Dr. Sarma assures all support to develop Guwahati as the best aviation and logistics hub

In a move to pave the way for ground breaking academic, skilling, research and development in aerospace technology, in the region with a global impact, IIT Guwahati signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Airbus India Private Limited in presence of Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma at a programme held at Dr. Bhupen Hazarika Mini Auditorium, IIT Guwahati here today.

It may be noted that Director of IIT Guwahati, Prof. Devendra Jalihal on behalf of IIT Guwahati and Shri Suraj Chettri, VP, Airbus India on behalf of Airbus signed the memorandum to foster a formal alliance and a shared commitment to innovation, excellence, and the future of aerospace technology and logistics hub development in the state of Assam. Key areas of this collaboration include sectors such as transportation, industries, hospitality, skilling, agriculture, logistics with a thrust on larger scope of expansion. Moreover, the agreement envisages the mutual commitment to fostering talent and nurturing the next generation aerospace professionals.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Dr. Sarma said that the MoA besides addressing the current skills gap will ignite sustained growth and elevate the global competitiveness of the aviation and logistics sectors in the Northeast. He termed the collaboration as a significant step forward in creating a robust and dynamic workforce as well as boosting the aviation and logistics sector. He appreciated all the key stakeholders for their dedication and foresight in shaping a future where Assam can thrive as a hub of aviation industry innovation and excellence. The collaboration would help in addressing some of the most pressing challenges in the fields of aviation, logistics and allied areas, he said adding that the partnership will give significant push to co-creating solutions transforming the future of aviation in our region. He moreover said that the agreement embodies the spirit of technological excellence and global leadership which will give a big push towards sustaining Assam’s ascent in technological development.

Stating that in recent years, Assam has seen major growth in multiple sectors of semiconductor industry, petroleum refining, polymers, agriculture sector, tourism, aviation, hospitality, healthcare, etc., the Chief Minister viewed that the MoA will give further push to this growth trajectory. “This agreement is not just a journey that will enhance the overall capabilities of IIT Guwahati and support Airbus India Private Limited, but in our quest for industrialization and technological advancement”, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the Act East Policy has opened up new doors of opportunities in communication, transportation, trade and business, tourism, cultural exchange, sports, information technology, agriculture and many other sectors to link northeast with ASEAN and BBN countries. He observed that over the past 10 years, India’s engagement with the ASEAN countries has grown exponentially. The growing demands of economic push and development of the region could be met only with support of the rapid aviation growth, he stated.

Highlighting the aviation history of the region which is several decade old, he said that it was only under Prime Minister Narendra Modi that tangible progress in air connectivity has been witnessed in the region. “Under UDAN scheme, the Prime Minister took historic initiative to boost regional connectivity in the north east. The historic steps initiated to bring important cities of the north east under the regional connectivity scheme UDAN-2 significantly facilitated regional air connectivity by making air travel affordable for the masses. Ensuring balanced regional development by facilitating the movement of people, goods, and services, this scheme in turn will also promote tourism, job creation, and economic development” the Chief Minister said. He also spoke about the new infrastructure and facilities being developed in the aviation sector in the state in recent years.

Stating that the Global Skilling Centre in Aviation and Logistics Business proposed under this MoA, apart from delivering comprehensive training to meet industry demands will also support the Udan Yojana initiative in the North Eastern Region. “This initiative will significantly improve employment and career advancement opportunities for individuals in our Region and elevate service quality in both the logistics and aviation sectors, expanding trading opportunities within the country and beyond”. He expressed hope that the dynamic range of courses to be launched at the Centre to train 2,000 students annually from the Northeast and BBNI states, will set a new standard for aviation education in the region”. Dr. Sarma also assured all support from the government of Assam to IIT Guwahati and Airbus India Private Limited to develop Guwahati as one of the best aviation and logistics hub in the country. He also said that after the semiconductor assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, State government will go forward in setting up manufacturing unit of semi-conductor in the state.

The agreement signing ceremony was attended by Director of IIT Guwahati, Prof. Devendra Jalihal, VP, Airbus India Suraj Chettri, Head of Aftermarket Strategy & Business Development, Airbus India & South Asia Ashutosh Agarwal, Dean, IIT Guwahati Prof. Parameswar K. Iyer, faculty and staff members of the institute, students and other representatives from Airbus India Private Limited and other dignitaries.

On the sidelines of MoA signing ceremony, he also held a fruitful discussion with some Japanese academia representing various universities who are collaborating with IIT Guwahati and other educational institutions. He assured them that Government of Assam will extend all supports to take the mutual collaboration to a greater height.