a)the extant provisions under the 5/20 rule;
b)whether the Government proposes to replace/abolish the 5/20 rule to enable more domestic airlines to start international operation;
c)if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;
d)the current stand of Air India with regard to the said rule and the reaction of the Government therefor; and
e)whether certain airlines have sought complete abolition of the 5/20 rule, if so, the details thereof alongwith the reaction of the Government thereto?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)
a)As per the Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) 08 of 2009, the eligibility criteria to commence scheduled international operation are as
follows :-
i)A valid permit for operation of scheduled air transport services.
ii)A minimum of five years experience of continuous operation of
domestic scheduled air transport services.
iii)At least twenty aircraft in its fleet.
These requirements are not applicable to all-cargo services.
(b) No such decision has been taken so far.
c) Does not arise, in view of (b) above.
d)Air India has not offered any views on the proposal on 5/20 rule in the
Draft Civil Aviation Policy.
e)There has been response from several stakeholders, including some airlines, for complete abolishment of 5/20 rule. The responses from different stakeholders provide, important input on the final decision of the Government.