(a) whether the Airports Authority of India has fixed any criteria for ground handling system;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether some airlines have started barter system for ground handling;
(d) if so, the facts thereof;
(e) whether there is any proposal to make changes in the existing ground handling system; and
(f) if so, the details thereof and the time by which the changes are likely to be made?
MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a)&(b): Yes, Sir. In terms of Airports Authority of India (General Management, Entry for ground Handling Services), Regulations, 2000, the national carriers namely Air India and Indian Airlines and M/s. Cambata Aviation are providing ground handling services at the airports in addition to some airlines who are doing self handling.
(c): No, Sir. Government is not aware of any barter system followed by Airlines.
(d): Does not arise.
(e) &(f):Yes, Sir. The Government have approved a new Ground Handling Policy. As per it the following, entities are eligible to under take ground handling at - (A) All metropolitan airports i.e. Delhi,Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore and Hyderbad -
(i) The respective airport operator itself or its joint venture,
(ii) Subsidiary companies of National Carriers i.e. Air India / Indian Airlines or their joint ventures specialised in ground handling servies. Third party handling will also be permitted to these subsidiaries and
(iii) Any other ground handling service provider selected through competitive bidding by the airport operator. (B) At all other airports, in addition to the entities mentioned above, self handling will be permitted to the airlines excluding foreign airlines. (C)Airlines or entities presently involved in ground handling, which are not covered under the policy, enunciated in (A) and /or (B) above will not be permitted to undertake self-handligng or third party handling w.e.f. from 1.1.2009. Amendments to the relevant Rules & Regulations are under process.