AN-32 Kargil Courier service starts | Air Force pilots hailed for service

Kargil, Jan 22: The first flight of AN-32 Kargil Courier Service started on Monday.

The subsidised AN-32 Kargil Courier Air Service, provided by the Indian Air Force, is operated under a special arrangement during winter months. The administration of Union Territory of Lakdakh has taken an initiative to operate subsidised plane and helicopter service from Ladakh during winters, when roads in the entire region remain cut off from the rest of the country.

The first flight of Kargil courier service started today from Kargil to Jammu and from Jammu to Kargil. The service will cater to passengers from far-flung areas of Ladakh on approved routes, officials said. The inaugural flight successfully lifted 11 passengers from Kargil to Jammu. The first flight of the AN-32 Courier Service to Kargil was operated by Gp Capt Saurabh Karmatar, Sqn Leader A Nautiyal, Sqn Leader Kanwarpreet, Flight Leader Ashwini, two Kaptans, and Sgt Shekhawat.

Chairman/CEC, LAHDC, Kargil, Dr Mohd Jaffer Akhoon, Secretary Civil Aviation, UT Ladakh, Ravinder Dangi, Deputy Commissioner/CEO, LAHDC, Kargil, Shrikant Suse today welcomed the Indian Air Force Pilots and crews for the commencement of the AN-32 Courier Service to Kargil. ADC, Kargil, Ghulam Mohiudin Wani, Deputy SP, Kargil, Manzoor Ahmad, Liaison Officer AN-32 Courier Service, Kargil, Kacho Alamagir Khan, along with ALOs were also present on the occasion. The CEC extended a warm welcome to the Indian Air Force Pilots and expressed gratitude to the Government of India, Indian Air Force, UT Ladakh Administration, Secretary Civil Aviation, District Administration, Ladakh Police and Air Force Station Kargil for their support.

During the event, CEC Dr Jaffer instructed the Liaison Officers and ALOs to ensure the smooth operation of the AN-32 Courier Service. He inspected heating facilities and other essential services, underscoring his commitment to ensure hassle-free service.

The CEC highlighted that the AN-32 Courier Service aims to streamline travel, improving connectivity to and from Kargil. Liaison Officer Kargil urged intending travelers to report on time carrying original IDs to avail the facility, thereby contributing to the efficient operation of the service.