CIAL drops plans for low-cost airline

Thiruvananthapuram: The Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has decided to shelve the proposed low cost airline that was expected to bring relief to thousands of low-income Indian expatriates in the Gulf.
The Air Kerala International Services Limited, CIAL’s budget airline subsidiary, will insterad focus on other businesses like tourism, hospitality and information technology parks.
A company statement said the new proposals followed the federal government’s refusal to give Air Kerala permission to start international fights before fulfilling conditions on the fleet size and domestic flying experience.
On March 13, Aviation Minister Praful Patel told parliament that the state government’s request was not being considered and the Gulf routes are “presently reserved only for Air-India and Indian.” The state government too had developed cold feet on the proposal.
29/03/07 Ashraf Padanna/Gulf Times, Qatar

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Categories: New Mar 2007