Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Civil Aviation has launched UDAN 5.1, a new version of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) specifically designed for helicopter routes.
Key features of UDAN 5.1:
- Allowing routes where one of the origin or destination locations is in a priority area
- Reducing airfare caps by up to 25% to make helicopter travel more affordable
- Increasing Viability Gap Funding (VGF) caps for operators to improve financial viability
Aim: The scheme aims to democratize air travel and promote tourism, hospitality, and local economies.
Previous rounds of the scheme have already operationalized 46 helicopter routes, benefiting hilly and North East states and the current round aims to cover a larger number of routes.
Read about UDAN 5.0:
