International flights: Ministry not open to easing eligibility

New Delhi: The suggestion to grant permission to all private airlines to fly to international destinations by relaxing the eligibility criteria of a minimum fleet strength of 20 aircraft and five years of operating experience was turned down by the Civil Aviation ministry in its consultative committee meeting today.
The point was raised by MP Tapir Gao who suggested that the permission be granted to generate more foreign revenue. The ministry said that the minimum requirements were essential for safe and reliable operations on international routes.
Issues of more connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world, better infrastructure at the airports of the country, training of pilots, revamping of route dispersal guidelines and developing more cargo facilities to cater to agricultural exports were also raised.
Promising to look into all the issues raised by the members, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel informed the committee that the domestic aviation traffic is expected to reach a growth rate of 40 per cent this year. The growth rate was 26 per cent in 2005 and 20 per cent in 2004.
13/05/06 PTI/Indian Express

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