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(a) The salient features of the open air agreement with ASEAN countries
and the status of the agreement as on date ;
(b)Whether National carriages are plagued with shortage of aircraft and not
able to compete with other airlines of ASEAN countries; and
(c) If so, the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this
regard ?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION(SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a) : As per our ASEAN offer, a daily service to four metropolitian cities viz.
Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai and Chennai and an unlimited access to 18 tourist
destinations in India had been offered to the designated airlines of all 10 ASEAN
countries.Among these ASEAN countries,Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and
Vietnam have already accepted this offer.
(b) and (c) : With a view to improve passenger-seat utilization, both the national
carriers have taken various steps. Air India has launched its low cost carrier, Air
India Express. The services of Air India Express will be progressively expanded to
South East Asia and other Regions. Both the airlines are in the process of acquiring
new aircraft,which will substantially enhance their product. Dry leasing of aircraft,
refurbishing of existing aricraft, launching of special promotional schemes, closing of
uneconomical offices, downsizing and re-deployment of staff and outsourcing of
non-core activities to subsidiary companies etc are other steps being taken in this
direction.