Question : PURCHASE OF AIRCRAFT

(a) the number of passenger aircraft purchased during the last three years indicating the names of the supplier companies and the prices paid for each aircraft;

(b) the details including the time of payment and the name of agency through which payment was made;

(c) whether there was difference between the actual price of the aircraft and the payment made to the said agency;

(d) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons for making such payments; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to discontinue such practice?

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

(a),(b),(c),(d) and (e):- A Statement is laid on the table of the House.

STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (A),(B),(C),(D) AND (E) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 364 FOR REPLY ON 20.8.2004 REGARDING PURCHASE OF AIRCRAFT.

(a)and (b):- Among the public sector airlines only Indian Airlines has purchased one A300 aircraft (VT-EVD) from Aerco Ireland II Limited, Ireland on 14.11.2002 at a price of US$ 4 Million during last three years. This aircraft was on lease with Indian Airlines since May, 1998. The purchase price was paid after adjustment of lease rental already paid by Indian Airlines to the party from 15.11.2002 to 14.5.2003. The net amount due to the party after said adjustment of lease rental was US$ 3,370,000 which was remitted to the party through Indian Airlines` IATA collection account with State Bank of India, New York on 9.5.2003.

(c):- No, Sir.

(d) and (e):- Do not arise.