Biju Patnaik’s Dakota Aircraft Unveiled For Public Viewing At Bhubaneswar Airport
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today unveiled the legendary DAKOTA (DC-3) VT-AUI aircraft at Bhubaneswar Airport here on the occasion of the late statesman’s birth anniversary.
“It is a matter of pride for the Odisha government to unveil the Dakota DC-3 aircraft which was relocated from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport in Kolkata to Biju Patnaik International Airport. Public display of the aircraft will serve as an embodiment of the former Chief Minister’s courage and adventurism, and inspire people of Odisha to dream big,” a release by the Commerce and Transport department read.
The (DC-3) aircraft bearing registration number VT-AUI, belonging to the erstwhile Kalinga Airlines founded by the legendary leader and former chief minister Biju Patnaik.
The aircraft has been brought back to Odisha as it has huge historical significance and is a symbol of the Odia pride.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on January 18, 2023 welcomed the legendary Dakota aircraft of former CM Biju Patnaik and showered flowers on its arrival at the Bhubaneswar Airport.
The legendary statesman had used Dakota to rescue former Indonesian Vice-President Muhammad Hatta and Prime Minister Sutan Sjahrir from their enemies in 1947. His acumen as a pilot was recognised by the government of Indonesia, which honoured him with the title of ‘Bhumi Putra’.
Before joining politics, he had floated Kalinga Airlines which had a fleet of 15 Dakotas. The company had its headquarter in Kolkata. The airlines used to offer services to the Army for transporting jawans and airdropping supplies.
