Indus Air seeks to relaunch operations with aid from China

Mumbai: Nearly a year after shuttering services over financial problems, Indus Air, a tiny New Delhi-based, full-service airline, is trying to re-launch operations by tying up with Beijing-controlled aviation conglomerate China National Aero-Technology Import and Export Corp, or Catic.
The exact nature of Indus’ arrangement with Catic is not clear and it is unusual for a plane maker to acquire equity in an airline.
Indus Air, promoted by liquor company Mohan Meakins Ltd, is planning to induct Catic-made 30 MA60 type, 50-60 seater regional turboprop aircraft.
Krishna Gopal Beri, director of Indus Airways Pvt. Ltd, which runs the airline, said his company has signed a memorandum of understanding with Catic and has written to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, or DGCA, for renewing its national licence.
“We are awaiting a go-ahead from DGCA. Once we get that, Indus will be able to start operations in a month... We may also look at inducting Bombardier-type aircraft to get started,” Beri said.
The airline ran its old service with two planes built by Bombardier Inc.
15/02/08 P. R. Sanjai/Livemint

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Categories: Foreign Feb 2008, Indus Airways Feb 2008