Kochi: Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan urged that air travel be made more accessible and cheaper to the public by reducing travel and operational costs. While inaugurating the Kerala Aviation Summit, organised by Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in collaboration with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), he emphasised the need for a planned approach to foster the growth of aviation industry.The CM highlighted that capital costs should also be lowered and that travel without time loss must be ensured. He praised the significant role that airports have played in promoting Kerala’s tourism sector and ensuring convenient travel for the diaspora. He noted that CIAL set a public-friendly model in the aviation industry, embracing technological changes and creating over 30,000 job opportunities. He added that strengthening air transport will attract more tourists and Kerala has immense potential to become a civil aviation hub. The chief minister also assured that Kerala’s representation would be secured in national and regional aviation discussions to guarantee investment and innovation opportunities.Vijayan also inaugurated the Airport Public Health Office (APHO) health centre at CIAL, which will help passengers with symptoms of communicable diseases like Covid to be tested, isolated and treated there. He said the facility would strengthen APHO’s operations. Revenue minister K Rajan handed over the keys of the health centre to deputy director general of health services Dr Senthil Nathan.Industries minister P Rajeeve presided over the function. Chalakudy MP Benny Behanan, chief secretary A Jayathilak, CIAL directors Aruna Sundararajan, NV George, Varghese Jacob and FICCI senior director Manoj Mehta also attended the function. CIAL managing director S Suhas delivered the welcome address and airport director Manu G proposed the vote of thanks.The summit’s objectives include leveraging Kerala’s aviation facilities and investment potential, transforming the state into a global aviation hub and strengthening regional aviation and logistics hubs. The summit will conclude on Sunday.