(a) whether the Government have drawn up an ambitious fleet expansion plan of the national carriers for the ensuing five years;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the source of mobilising funds required for the expansion of the fleet;
(d) whether the Government propose to acquire small aircraft for operating on the routes which are not congested; and
(e) if so, the details in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN )
(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) : A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PART (A),(B),(C),(D) AND (E) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 532 FOR 28.04.2003 REGARDING FLEET EXPANSION PLAN OF NATIONAL CARRIERS.
(a) and (b) : Indian Airlines has proposed to acquire 43 new aircraft for replacement of the entire fleet of old aircraft and for capacity expansion. Air India has plans to acquire new aircraft in order to phase out the older aircraft, rationalise its fleet and expand capacity. The proposal of Air India is yet to be received in the Ministry for Government approval.
(c) : As per international practice and as was done by Air India and Indian Airlines on earlier occasions, the two national carriers will raise fund for fleet acquisition through commercial borrowings in international/Indian market.
(d) & (e) : At present no proposal of the two airlines for purchase of small aircraft is under consideration. With the financial assistance of North-Eastern Council Indian Airlines has recently inducted four small aircraft on lease which are being operated in the North-Eastern States.