Introduction: -This
is the fastest mode of transport. It carries goods and passengers through
airways by using different aircrafts like passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft,
helicopters, etc. besides passengers it carries goods that are less bulky or
high value. In hilly and mountainous areas where other mode of transport is not
accessible, air transport is an important as well as convenient mode. It is
mostly used for transporting goods and passengers during natural calamities
like earthquake and flood, etc.
During
war, air transport plays an important role in carrying soldiers as well as
supplies to the required areas. Air transport may be classified as domestic and
international air transport. Air transport is carried out in fixed air routes,
which connect almost all the countries.
Rapid
economic growth in India has made air travel more affordable. Air India,
India's flag carrier, presently operates a fleet of 159 aircraft and plays a
major role in connecting India with the rest of the world. Several other
foreign airlines connect Indian cities with other major cities across the
globe.
Chhatrapati
Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai is
currently India's busiest airport in terms of passenger traffic.
Pawan Hans
Helicopters Limited is a public sector company that
provides helicopter services to ONGC to its off-shore locations. There are 40
heliports in India.
India also has the world's highest helipad at the Siachen
Glacier a height of 6400 metre (21,000 ft) above mean sea level.
Advantages of Air
Transport: -Air transport has the following advantages
1. It
is the fastest mode of transport.
2. It
is very useful in transporting goods and passengers to the area, which are not
accessible by any other means.
3. It
is the most convenient mode of transport during natural calamities.
4. It
provides vital support to the national security and defense.
5. It
is less polluting as compared to road transport
Limitation of Air
Transport: -Air transport has the following limitations.
1. It
is relatively more expensive mode of transport.
2. It
is not suitable for transporting heavy and bulky goods.
3. It
is affected by adverse weather conditions.
4. It
is not suitable for short distance travel.
5. In
case of accidents, it results in heavy losses of goods, property and life.
