Thursday, April 10, 2014

Hurdles before new airlines waiting in the wings for long

It was to bring dollars in droves for a beleaguered government and initiate competition in the Indian skies, which would benefit the common man. It had a successful businessman at its helm and a trustworthy Indian conglomerate behind it.
Air Asia India had everything a ‘start-up’ needed but 14 months have gone past after the announcement of the joint venture between Air Asia Bhd, Tata Sons and Telestra, the proposed low cost carrier is yet to hit the runway.
Six months ago in October, it applied for Air Operator Permit (AOP), the last hurdle before the first take-off. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is yet to take a final call though it had more than month ago found no merit in objections raised against the new venture.
The entry of a new low-cost carrier means a drop in airfare due to competition and increased frequency to B-towns attracting more people from otherwise reluctant fliers’ community. With the government easing norms for foreign direct investment, the country’s bleeding civil aviation sector hoped for rejuvenation.
11/04/14 Shemin Joy/Deccan Herald
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