Open sky policy extended till Feb-end

New Delhi: In a move to encourage India-bound tourists, the government has extended the limited open sky policy to February. The policy –– which allows foreign airlines to deploy additional capacity during the peak season –– was originally limited to December and January.
Extension of permission for additional capacity deployment in February too would allow all foreign carriers such as Emirates, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines to offer more seats with extra flights and larger aircraft.
Foreign airlines have been expanding their India operation on the back of high passenger demand. Most of these airlines have witnessed an occupancy rate of more than 80% on their flights during the ensuing peak travel season. Gulf-based Emirates has forecast a seat factor of 84% during February and March this year.
“Many foreign airlines including Singapore Airlines and Qatar Airways had requested for extension of the limited open sky policy declared by the government to March, 2008,” an official in the directorate general of civil aviation (DGCA) said.
05/02/08 Nirbhay Kumar/Economic Times

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: Foreign Feb 2008, Indian Aviation- In General Feb 2008