Andhra Pradesh to consider offering tax incentive on ATF: N Chandrababu Naidu

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh government would look into a proposal of offering tax incentive on Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said today.

At a high-level meeting in Delhi with top executives of international airlines like Singapore Airlines, Malaysian Airlines and Emirates and Indian carriers like Jet Airways, SpiceJet and IndiGo, Naidu discussed about formulating an aviation policy for the state which, he assured, would be designed, keeping in view the needs of all stakeholders for the next 15 years.

Explaining that Andhra Pradesh is a "state for eco-tourism, venture tourism and religious tourism," the Chief Minister was quoted in an official release issued here as saying that the state would look into a proposal of offering tax incentive on ATF.

After the meeting, Dubai-based Emirates evinced interest in setting up "operation models" in the state while IndiGo Airlines announced new flights from Visakhapatnam, according to the statement.

The state government recently said that it is extending support to Airports Authority of India for expansion/modernisation of existing airports in Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, Tirupathi and Kadapa.

In respect of Vijayawada airport, the AAI proposes to undertake construction of a new terminal building and a control tower, a govt official had earlier said, adding that a greenfield airport is envisaged between Vijayawada and Kakinada.

The state has also requested the Union government to extend assistance for the proposed no-frills airports at Kuppam in Chittoor district, Kurnool city, Nellore and Srikakulam as AP "is to be declared as Special Category State."