The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : A glorious chapter in aviation comes to an end

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Sunday, Mar 23, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

A glorious chapter in aviation comes to an end

J.S. Ifthekhar

Babar Mirza

Capt. B.K.N. Rao

Capt. P.N. Reddy

The pioneers: Capt. Saldanha with airhostess Maureen O Hara and Capt. Johri

P.M. Reddy

Hyderabad: The engine sound deepened from a steady whine to a thunderous roar. The aeroplane leaped forward down the runway. As it took off, several pairs of misty eyes followed its trajectory on Saturday night.

It was curtains for Begumpet Airport. Yet another glorious chapter of Hyderabad’s aviation history came to an end.

Technically good

“I am really sad. It shouldn’t have been closed. It is a technically good airport where even the President of US landed,” remarked P. Nupendera Reddy, one of surviving pilots who commenced his career with the Nizam’s Deccan Airways.

Mr. Reddy, who flew the DC-3s (Dakotas) to the big bodied Boeings and Airbuses, recalled how there was a grass strip at Begumpet when he started his career. “It was a homely airport not only for the pilots but for the passengers as well,” he said.

His brother P. Madan Mohan Reddy, also a pilot, is equally sad at the closure. He too joined the Deccan Airways and subsequently shifted to Air India.

During its 76 years of history, the Begumpet Airport saw several persons contributing to its growth. However, the role of P.M. Reddy and Babar Mirza stands out. The two Hyderabadis recognised the importance of aviation and followed it up with the Nizam. They succeeded in the setting up of Hyderabad State Aero Club at Begumpet in 1932, according to aviation historian Anuradha Reddy.

Since not many aeronautical engineers were available, they brought Goodey from England. The latter stayed with the Deccan Airways till it was nationalised. Capt. B.K.N. Rao was another earlier pilot to operate from Begumpet Airport. He worked for Tata and Sons. Those days snakes moved freely at the Begumpet grass strip. Capt. Rao often found them right in the aircraft. Capt. Saldanha and Capt. Johri also flew regularly from Begumpet.

The Begumpet Airport also contributed to the growth and economic independence of women. Peggy Tocher and Rita Nordman of Secunderabad were the earliest airhostesses to work for the Deccan Airways. Donning navy blue uniforms, the Anglo-Indian girls drew lot of attention. Maureen O Hara of Hyderabad was another popular airhostess.

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