GoM to review civil aviation policy

New Delhi: The group of ministers (GoM) headed by the external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee would meet on Tuesday to review the new civil aviation policy, also called Vision 2020. The GoM would discuss many contentious issues such as allowing start-up domestic carriers having uninterrupted operational experience of three years to fly abroad, corporatisation of air traffic control (ATC) procedures and creation of private airports.
At present, the eligibility for airlines flying abroad is to maintain a fleet of 20 aircraft. The airlines are also required to have a minimum five years of experience of providing continuous air service in the domestic market.
In the wake objections raised by various departments and ministries on the new civil aviation policy the same was referred to the GoM. The civil aviation ministry, however, maintains that referring the policy to the GoM was intended to incorporate suggestions of other ministries and make it more broader.
Among many issues the proposal to open Gulf route for private carriers and allowing 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) in private or merchant airports are likely to be discussed. At present only public sector carriers Air India and Indian are allowed to operate to the Gulf region.
14/08/07 Economic Times

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Categories: General Aviation Aug 2007