Aviation heads in race for AERA top post

New Delhi: Top managers in the aviation industry, including Air India chairman and MD Raghu Menon, its former CMD V Thulasidas, and former Airport Authority of India (AAI) chairman K Ramalingam, are in the fray to head Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA), a new regulatory agency expected to start functioning by March.
“Former civil aviation secretary Ajay Prasad has also met aviation minister Praful Patel to explore the possibility of becoming the chairman of AERA,” an official in the aviation ministry said. But Mr Prasad is yet to submit his application, the official added.
“Former secretary in the ministry of new and renewable energy V Subramanian and department of consumer affairs secretary Yashwant Bhave have also submitted their applications for the AERA chairman,” he added.
Top aviation ministry officials said once the airport regulator starts functioning, most likely by March, Indian airports will have a tariff regulator in line with international practices. The proposed regulator is expected to create a level-playing field between airports and encourage investments. The authority would also regulate fares.
28/01/09 Economic Times

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Categories: Airports Jan 2009