DGCA eases norms to help regional carriers take off

New Delhi: A company looking to begin regional air services will need to reach a fleet size of three aircraft within two years instead of the earlier stipulated one year, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Tuesday.
Only by the end of five years would the carrier be required to operate five aircraft against the earlier deadline of two years, the aviation regulator said.
Strict norms on fleet size and other stringent conditions have stifled the growth of regional airlines in India so far. Though a comprehensive policy to promote regional airlines was devised in 2007, not a single such airline operates in the country.
Over the years, Star Aviation —- which wanted to begin services to smaller south Indian towns from Chennai —- didn’t get off the ground.
Former Meghalaya chief minister P Sangma’s airline Skyking received a no-objection certificate from the government, but its permit expired without it starting operations. Ditto for Jagson Airlines, which now operates only chopper services to select destinations.
Even state-owned Pawan Hans Helicopters’ permit for regional connectivity lapsed.
A host of regional cargo services such as Flyington Freighters, Avicore etc also lost their NOCs but could not begin operations.
The latest concessions from the DGCA suggest a realisation of the futility of imposing strict conditions and are expected to help small interested players launch regional airlines, if approved.
23/03/11 Sindhu Bhattacharya/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Mar 2011, New Mar 2011