Question : INTRODUCTION OF NEW ROUTES

(a) whether Air India has introduced some new routes both domestic and international during the last: three years and the current year;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of economically viable routes of Air India;

(d) whether the Government proposes to review the entire network of Air India to ascertain and cover revenue expenditure gap;

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(f) the total losses suffered both on national and international routes separately during the last three years, year-wise; and

(g) the steps taken by the Government to make all routes of Air India Profitable?

MINISTER OF OVERSEAS INDIAN AFFAIRS & MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI VAYALAR RAVI)

(a)and(b): Yes, Madam. The details of new routes introduced/started both in Domestic and International sectors by Air India during the last three years and current year are annexed.

(c) : Air India operates 138 routes system wide of which 2 routes are meeting total cost for the period April-October, 2011.

(d), (e) and (g): Air India (periodically monitors the carriage/load factors/financial performance of services on its network and makes efforts to improve their performance. Air India makes changes to its network to rationalize capacity offered on various routs to maximize the benefits to the airline. Consequently, periodic adjustments are done to the schedule to add or reduce capacity from specific routes, introduce new routes, and restructure existing routes based on the market dynamics and anticipated financial outcome.

(f): During the years 2009-10, 2010-11, April-September, 2011, Air India had incurred losses for Domestic services is Rs. 19424.06, Rs.24351.12 and Rs. 15952.47 lakhs respectively. During the same period, losses incurred for International services was Rs.214623.98, Rs.121638.35 and Rs.79164.03 lakhs respectively.