(a) whether the Ministry has conducted any study regarding constant reduction in number
of passengers in Air India flights during the last two years;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the measures being taken to bail out Air India and the time by which the performance
of the airlines is likely to be improved?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI K. C. VENUGOPAL )
(a) and (b) No, Madam. The passengers carried on overall network by AI have consistently
increased since the last 5 years. Even in the last 2 years, the number of passengers
carried have increased from 13.40 million in 2011-12 to 14.05 million in 2012-13, and
the PLF has increased from 67.9% in FY 2011-12, to 71.8% in FY 2012-13.
(c) To improve the operational and financial performance of Air India, the Government
has approved a Turn Around Plan (TAP) and a Financial Restructuring Plan (FRP) on 12th
April, 2012 which includes infusion of equity in Air India spread over 10 years. Till
November 2013, Government has infused Rs.12200 crores of equity. The equity infusion is
against achievement of specific milestones in terms of load factors, yield and on time
punctuality etc. AI performance so far against their milestones has been encouraging,
and AI has become EBITDA positive in FY 2012-13.