(a) the total number and types of aircraft in the fleet of Air India at present along with the average life span of each of the aircraft;
(b) the total number of aircraft leased out by Air India during the last three years;
(c) whether Air India proposes to buy new aircraft and if so, the details and the present status thereof; and
(d) the airstrips in West Bengal where operations of small aircraft can be handled?
Minister of CIVIL AVIATION (Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati)
(a): The number of aircraft, average age and type of aircraft in the fleet of Air India is as annexed.
(b): Air India and its subsidiary airline companies have not leased out any aircraft during the last 3 years.
(c): No proposal for purchase of new aircraft by Air India is under consideration of the Government.
(d): In West Bengal, airstrips at Kolkata and Cooch Behar airports and civil enclave at Bagdogra Airport are operational and can handle small aircraft.