(a) whether the Government is committed to allow private airlines to fly to more overseas destinations;
(b) whether Indian Airlilnes and Air India have been unable to utilise the rights bilaterally negotiated with the Governments of flight destinations;
(c) whether instead of giving the unused bilateral rights to foreign airlines for a consideration, the Government would consider allowing the private airlines to fly on the same routes; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
a): Government has presently permitted private airlines to operate to SAARC countries against unutilised entitlements of the Indian side subject to the provision for designation of multiple airlines in the respective Air Services Agreement.
(b): Operation of international air services by Air India and Indian Airlines is a matter of commercial judgement of the concerned airlines depending upon the fleet availability and traffic demands. Designated Airlines of India are utilising most of the commercially viable rights that are available to them to the extent permitted by the availability of aircraft and other resources.
(c) and (d): At present, private airlines have been permitted to operate to SAARC countries against the unutilised traffic rights of Indian side. No final decision has been taken regarding permitting private airlines to operate to other destinations.