Govt in dilemma over allowing A380 flights

New Delhi: The government seems to be in two minds on whether to allow some foreign carriers to start commercial flights on the A380, the world’s largest aircraft.
Domestic airlines have been lobbying against any such move, saying one A380 flight could wipe out the entire passenger traffic from Europe or other lucrative destinations on any given day since it can carry 517 passengers in one go.
Now, the ministry of civil aviation is considering whether to allow A380 flights from the upcoming winter schedule but any quick decision is unlikely.
Bilaterals or flying entitlements to foreign carriers has been a sore point with Indian airlines for long, since they feel that enhanced capacities on foreign airlines adversely affect their own international passenger loads.
With the A380 threat looming large, domestic carriers’ worries have only grown. As of now, Kingfisher is the only Indian airline company to have ordered an A380 and delivery of the aircraft to the UB Group airline is scheduled for 2015-16. Various other carriers, including Air India, are said to be exploring the option of acquiring the A380.
According to sources, a prominent European carrier requested for permission to bring in the big bird almost one year back but the ministry has not given it permission till date.
16/07/10 Sindhu Bhattacharya/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Airports Jul 2010, Foreign Jul 2010