Question : Operation of New-Small Airlines

(a) whether the Government has received requests/applications from private carriers to establish and operate new airlines in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes for development of small airlines and if so, the details thereof and the steps taken by the overnment in this regard;

(d) whether the Government proposes to give subsidy to small airlines;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the steps being taken by the Government to ensure that the aircraft for the new airlines have components manufactured by domestic companies in the country?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Shri Jayant Sinha)

(a) and (b): The Ministry has recently received proposals from M/s Ghodawat Enterprises Private Limited (Scheduled Air Transport Service), M/s GSEC Limited (Scheduled Air Transport Cargo Services), M/s Aviation Connectivity & Infrastructure Developers Private Limited (Scheduled Commuter Operator) and Shri Ravindra Purushottam Deshmukh (Scheduled Commuter Operator-Individual).;

(c): In order to promote/enhance Regional Connectivity, the concept of Scheduled Commuter Air Transport Services has been introduced. The Air Operator Certificate for Scheduled Commuter Operations shall be granted in two categories i.e. Scheduled Commuter (Small) for aircraft All-Up Weight (AUW) upto 5700kg and Scheduled Commuter Operator (Large) for aircraft AUW more than 5700 kg and upto 40,000 kg. Further, with a view to streamline the procedure and also for ease of doing business in Civil Aviation Sector, Ministry of Civil Aviation has reviewed the existing procedure for Grant of Initial NOC to operate Scheduled / Non - Scheduled / Scheduled Commuter Air Transport Services and has extended the validity of Initial NOC to 3 years.

(d): No Madam.;

(e): Does not arise.;

(f): There are several companies which are making aircraft parts on direct orders from global original equipment manufacturers. However, the purchase of aircraft is commercial decision of the airline, in which Ministry does not interfere.