(a) whether as per the existing Aviation Policy, it is mandatory for the airlines operating in India to follow 5/20 rule where an Indian carrier must be five year old and have at least twenty planes in its fleet to fly abroad, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government proposes to remove the 5/20 rule to allow some private airlines to fly on foreign routes; and
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor?
Minister of State in the Ministry of CIVIL AVIATION
(Dr Mahesh Sharma)
(a) Yes Madam. As per existing Aviation Policy, any Indian air transport undertaking shall be eligible to apply for operation of international scheduled air transport services, if it is in possession of -
(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 and
(iii)at least twenty aircraft in its fleet.
(b) & (c): No Madam. However, suggestions have been invited from stakeholders whether to continue or discontinue the rule.