A new chapter in air connectivity in southern Tamil Nadu began with the inauguration of “VIL Heli Station – South India Helicopter Operations Base, Madurai”, operated by VIL Aviation Private Limited, at the campus of Nagarathinam Angammal Arts and Science College in Madurai on Thursday.
The centre was inaugurated by Karumuttu Hari Thiagarajan, Managing Director of Thiagarajar Mills Pvt. Ltd., who attended the event as the chief guest. College Chairman Dr. S. Nagarathinam, Secretary and Correspondent Dr. N. Jagatheesan, Kuwait Hameed, Satheeshkumar, K.T. Srinivasa Raja, Managing Director of Adyar Ananda Bhavan, V. Neethimohan, Chairman and Managing Director of Vaigai Group of Industries, and former Minister R.B. Udhayakumar were among those who participated in the event.
Speaking at the inaugural function, Thiagarajan described the establishment of a helicopter operations base in Madurai as a visionary initiative. He said such ventures could open up new opportunities for tourism, industry, emergency services and future air connectivity in southern Tamil Nadu. He also urged young people to explore opportunities in emerging sectors and new technologies.
Representing VIL Aviation, retired official Satheeshkumar said the facility was not merely the launch of a helicopter landing facility but the beginning of a new chapter in southern Tamil Nadu’s air connectivity.
VIL Aviation plans to develop Madurai as a major helicopter operations hub and improve services for air connectivity, emergency and medical services, business and VIP travel, tourism and pilgrimage. The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for helicopter connectivity to important destinations in southern Tamil Nadu, including Rameswaram, Kodaikanal and Kanniyakumari.
More than 600 college students attended the event. Students were given an opportunity to learn about helicopters and the aviation sector directly. They were also briefed on emerging employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in aviation, aerospace, drone technology and future air mobility technologies.
With the launch of VIL Heli Station – Madurai, VIL Aviation has begun its journey towards establishing a strong foundation for helicopter services and regional air connectivity in South India.
“The sky is not the limit… it is an invitation to a new journey.”