Praful Patel wants Air India to expand network, fleet

New Delhi: Civil aviation minister Praful Patel has urged Air India to widen its network and plan quickly for expansion of its fleet. At a meeting here on Wednesday to review performance of the recently-merged airline, he called for strengthening of the cargo business of the company.
Some of the major issues discussed by the minister included the airline’s plan to induct over 60 aircraft and enhance connectivity. Air India now has a fleet of nearly 125 aircraft, and is planning to order a large number of planes for delivery after 2011.
Before merger, Air India had placed orders for 68 Boeing aircraft while Indian had ordered for 43 Airbus aircraft. The civil aviation minister has always favoured the airline’s move to increase its fleet size.
Mr Patel is likely to review progress of the two airlines next fortnight. He would also look into the airline’s plan to restructure its current capacity deployment on different domestic and international routes.
08/11/07 Economic Times

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Categories: Air India - International Nov 2007, Air india Budget Nov 2007, Air India Domestic Nov 2007, Air India Regional Nov 2007, Cargo Nov 2007, NACIL Nov 2007