IATA seeks prompt govt action to protect aviation sector

New Delhi: Projecting a cumulative loss of $1.5 billion for Indian carriers this year, IATA has asked the government to act expeditiously to ward off the crisis in the sector by removing excise duty and sales tax on aviation turbine fuel.
Observing that global crisis was hitting India hard, International Air Transport Association chief Giovanni Bisignani said the bottomline of Indian aviation industry was "bleeding" as it would post "the largest losses outside the US (of) potentially $1.5 billion this year."
Describing the situation as "volatile", he asked the government to take "speedy" steps to remove excise duty and sales tax on Aviation Turbine Fuel, which accounts for half of the total operational cost for some airlines. "It is wake up call for Ministry of Finance," he said, adding over 25 airlines across the globe had gone "bust" in the past seven months and indicated that such a situation could arise in India if effective steps were not taken fast.
At an interactive session organised by the CII, Bisignani welcomed the government setting up a high-level committee to study the problems of the industry but said he was "concerned about speed" in decision-making.
28/09/08 Press Trust Of India/Hindustan Times

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Sep 2008