Arunachal Pradesh hosted its first commercial flight under the Udan scheme of the Central Government.
- Its first fixed-wing commercial aircraft was flagged off from Pasighat to Guwahati by Chief Minister Pema Khandu.
- The Air India Ltd agreed to start ATR-42 services of Alliance Air to Pasighat from Gopinath Bordoloi airport at Guwahati, connecting the state with rest of the country.
- The 42-seat Alliance Air ATR will fly between Guwahati and Pasighat thrice a week as of now.
- Alliance Air, which is a subsidiary of Air India, Zoom Air and Turbo Jet are also set to commence services in the state as soon as the formalities are completed.
- It would help in enhancing Arunachal Pradesh’s economic progress and tourism by ensuring better connectivity with the rest of India.
- The air service will benefit as many as eight districts of eastern Arunachal Pradesh.
- Pasighat is among the eight advanced landing grounds in the state.
- The state government is also in the process of hiring 10-seater fixed wing aircraft under the Chief Minister’s Air Connectivity Scheme to ensure easier access to other locations.