Sat, Jan 01, 2005
Controversial move defines new rules, sets aside Gulf
routes for three years
The government of India
has cleared the way for private airlines to fly international
routes to any locations except the Gulf. Previously, only Air-India
and Indian Airlines were allowed to fly these routes. For the next
three years, they will retain the monopoly only on profitable
routes to UAE, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia.
Private airlines were allowed to fly domestically, as well as to
Nepal and Sri Lanka.
The only airlines allowed to begin international operations are
those that have five years of domestic experience and have a fleet
of 20 or more aircraft. At this time, only two airlines qualify
under these rules -- Jet Airways and Air Sahara.
"Since all airlines operating to foreign destinations will be
Indian flag carriers, they should have a minimum flying experience.
These private carriers have established themselves well and
together have almost 60 per cent of the domestic market," said
civil aviation minister Praful Patel to Asian Age.
The announcement of the decision has upset some sectors of the
Indian aviation industry, particularly those parties who were
planning to start their own airlines in the coming year. "A level
playing field has not been provided to all the airlines," said Dr.
Vijay Mallya, chairman of Kingfisher Airlines. "The Centre has
taken this decision on the basis of the recommendation made by the
Naresh Chandra Committee. This committee should revalidate its
report taking into consideration the sudden explosion and growth of
the Indian aviation industry."
The announcement will become the law of the land upon official
notification, and airlines that qualify under the guidelines are
free to begin planning their summer schedules based on the new
rules. The new rules also mandate that the airlines who open
international routes must continue to fly domestic routes.
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