A new airline operator dedicated to North East India is set to take off by April 1, 2013, U K Sangma, Secretary, North Eastern Council (NEC), said. "The bidding process for the services, which has already begun, is expected to have an operator with improved services and cheaper rates to fly in the North East airspace," Sangma said. The closing date for the bidding process is January 24, 2013. However, five private airline operators turned up at the pre-bid consultation in Shillong and had sought extension of deadline for the submission of tender by at least three more weeks, Sangma said.
Their request might be considered, Sangma said. The five operators were two scheduled operators - Bengaluru-based Quick Jet and Aizawl-based North East Shuttles - besides, three non-scheduled operators - Pawan Hans Pvt Ltd, Bell Helicopter, and GM Airlines.