Question : Flying Rules on Interanational Routes

(a) the details of eligibility rules laid down for domestic airlines/new airlines to fly on international routes;

(b) whether the Government proposes to replace the said rules with the Domestic Flying Credit (DFC) Model and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Indian Carriers have opposed the DFC model and if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(d) the details of the proposals received by the Government from various private firms and States/UTs including Kerala to start regional airlines along with the action taken by the Government thereon?

Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION

(Dr Mahesh Sharma)

(a): The prevailing eligibility criteria for an Indian air transport undertaking to commence scheduled international operations are as under:

i) A valid permit for operation of scheduled air transport services.
ii) A minimum of five years'' experience of continuous operation of domestic scheduled air transport services.
iii) At least twenty aircraft in its fleet.

(b) & (c) Policy on revision in existing eligibility criteria for international flying for domestic carriers are under review and views of various Indian carriers have also been received on revision of existing policy which are being examined.

(d): The details of applications received for starting Regional Airline Services during the last three years as under:-

2012 - LEPL Projects Limited (Air Costa), ABC Aviation & Training Services Pvt Ltd and North East Shuttle.

2013 - Freedom Aviation Pvt. Ltd, ZAV Airways Pvt Ltd, Air Carnival Services Pvt Ltd and Turbo Megha Airways Pvt Ltd.

2014 - AAA Aviation Pvt Ltd.

Out the above LEPL Projects Limited (Air Costa), ABC Aviation & Training Services Pvt Ltd, North East Shuttle, ZAV Airways Pvt Ltd, Air Carnival Services Pvt Ltd and Turbo Megha Airways Pvt Ltd have been granted Initial NOC to operate Scheduled Air Transport (Regional)
Services.