Question : PERMISSION TO PRIVATE AIRLINES TO FLY ABROAD



(a): whether domestic airlines are required to operate for a minimum period of five years to qualify for permission to fly abroad;

(b): if so, the details thereof ;

(c) : whether there is a move in the Government to lower down the operational period ;

(d) : if so, whether the said move will have an adverse effect on the effectiveness and viability of the airlines ;

(e) : if so, whether the Government would ensure that the operational period will not be lowered by down playing the safety and confidence of the international passengers thereby resulting in loss of traffic and revenue to aviation industry as a whole; and

(f) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto ?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)

(a) & (b): Under the existing guidelines, Indian private scheduled carriers having experience of continuous operations of 5 years in the domestic sectors and having a minimum fleet size of 20 aircraft are permitted to operate on international routes.

(c) : The issue is being addressed in the proposed National Civil Aviation Policy, which is presently under consideration of a Group of Ministers (GoM)

(d),(e)&(f): Do not arise at this stage.