Fee block on Jamshedpur-Calcutta flight path

Jamshedpur: The proposed service of Air Deccan between Jamshedpur and Calcutta has got stuck as the Airport Authority of India (AAI), which functions under the Union civil aviation ministry, has asked Tata Steel, which owns the airport here, to pay an annual fee of Rs 25 lakh for positioning its staff and maintenance of equipment at the Air Traffic Control (ATC).
Sources at Air Deccan headquarters in Bangalore said they have completed necessary groundwork for launching the service, while Tata Steel has set up the necessary infrastructure, such as construction of terminal building (for accommodating passengers), ticketing and parking arena.
The steel major, it is learnt, has taken up the issue with AAI.
“We are waiting for the licence. Tata Steel has given permission in writing to Air Deccan to use its airport, a copy of which has been sent to the civil aviation department,” Managing director of Air Deccan Capt. G.R. Gopinath told The Telegraph.
Apart from the Rs 25 lakh issue, talks are on with the state government for adequate security at the airport.AAI authorities based in Ranchi confirmed that an annual fee of Rs 25 lakh had been asked from Tata Steel.
30/01/07 Pinaki Majumdar/The Telegraph

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