(a) the reasons for delay in according approval for the purchase of Airbus for AI and Indian Airlines;
(b) the total requirement of Airbuses in Indian Airlines and Air India separately alongwith the types of aircraft;
(c) the total amount required for the expansion alongwith the sources of the fund;
(d) whether the Government have resorted to external borrowing; and
(e) if so, the amount borrowed alongwith the outstanding amount, till date?
THE MINISTER OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI SYED SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN )
(a), (b),(c), (d) and (e): A statement is laid on the Table of Sabha.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 97 FOR 24.2.2003 REGARDING FLEET EXPANSION
(a): Air Indian has taken up evaluation of new aircraft and is yet to finalise selection of these aircraft. The proposal received from Indian Airlines Ltd. for acquisition of new aircraft is under consideration in consultation with various appraising agencies like Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Environment etc. The proposal will be taken up for an investment decision after due processes.
(b): Air India has taken up evaluation of aircraft in the category of 250 + seater.
Indian Airlines has proposed to acquire 43 aircraft comprising of A-319, A-320 and A-321 aircraft.
(c), (d) and (e): The project cost in respect of Indian Airlines is estimated at Rs.10,089 crores whereas Air India is yet to estimated the project cost. Modalities of funding by the airlines can be worked out only after a final decision on acquisition is taken.