VVIPs may have to shell out more for Air India flights

New Delhi: The country’s very very important persons (VVIPs) president, vice-president and prime minister may have to shell out little more to fly Air India (AI). The national carrier, which is going through a financial turmoil, is planning to increase the charges for such special flights.
“There are three jumbo jets and two sets of cabin crew that are kept apart for VIP flights. While two are used to carry a VIP and acompanying delegation, the third one is used for training. This involves huge maintenance cost. We propose to change the costing pattern of such flights wherein we will also add maintenance and salaries to the present charges,” a senior aviation ministry official, who did not wish to be named, said.
The aviation ministry has already sent a note in this regard to the finance ministry that has reverted back with some queries. “It has already been discussed with the aviation minister and gone to the finance ministry’s office. They (finance ministry) have sent some queries. A final call would be taken accordingly,” the official said.
AI on an average flies over 15 such flights in a year. Flying VIP is a costly affair even for the airline as it involves refurbishing of the entire aircraft, special food, liquor and longer stay at overseas airports.
14/01/11 Parul Chhaparia/mydigitalfc.com

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Categories: Air India Jan 2011