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(a) Whether a substantive number of Aircraft belonging to Indian Airlines,
remained non-operational during January to October,2006;
(b) If so, the details and the reasons therefor; and
(c) The steps taken/proposed to be taken to make these aircraft operational ?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION (SHRI PRAFUL PATEL)
(a)and (b): Out of a fleet of 74 aircraft available with Indian Airlines and Alliance
Air, 16 aircraft remained grounded for different periods during January, 2006 and
October, 2006. Further, out of a fleet of 48 A-320 aircraft, normally 6 remain grounded
for scheduled major maintenance at any given point of time. As against this, 10 A-320
aircraft are presently grounded for major maintenance/want of engines as also for scheduled
maintenance.
(c): Since the grounding of aircraft was primarily due to shortage of engines, Indian
Airlines Limited is vigorously pursuing all possible means to increase engine availability
through augmenting production of engines in its Jet Engine Overhaul Centre,outsourcing
of engine overhaul and continued retention of 3 short-term leased engines till
January/February, 2007.