(a) whether domestic airlines seats per capita in the country is very low in comparison to other countries;
(b) if so, the details thereof for the last three years, year-wise and the steps being taken by the Government in this regard;
(c) whether the Government is taking any steps to tap the market opportunity to develop the aviation industry; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)
(a) and (b): No such study has been conducted by this Ministry. However, the statement of the Domestic Airlines seats per capita is attached as Annexure-I.
(c) & (d): The Government has taken several measures to help the industry so that benefits percolate down to common man. These steps are persuading State Governments to reduce VAT on ATF, allowing direct import of Aviation Turbine Fuel by Indian Carriers as actual users, permitting foreign airlines to participate upto 49 percent in the equity of scheduled air transport undertaking, allowing ECB for working capital requirement of airline industry for a period of one year subject to a total ceiling of US $1 billion and tax concession for parts of aircraft and testing equipment for third party maintenance, repair and overhaul of civil
aircraft.