Implement new ground-handling policy: AAI to airports

New Delhi: In a bid to enhance safety, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has asked all airports to take steps to implement new ground-handling policy from April 1 that bars airlines from outsourcing manpower for such jobs.
Airlines will now have to deploy full-time employees at airports for ground-handling jobs or hire the services of security-cleared ground handling agencies, an AAI statement said.
"This means airlines cannot deploy outsourced manpower for doing ground-handling on their own," it said.
Earlier this month, the Delhi high court had rejected a plea by airlines to stay implementation of the policy.
However, airlines have approached the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the new ground-handling policy. The matter is expected to come before the apex Court on April 4.
Civil aviation secretary had met AAI officials and private airport operators to review the preparedness for implementation of the new ground handling policy recently.
AAI is expected to generate additional revenue of at least Rs350 crore every year as the authorised ground-handling agencies nominated by it would start work at important airports like Chennai and Kolkata from April 1.
The authorised ground handling agencies have been asked to hire only security-cleared employees, the AAI said adding that the move is also expected to result in enhanced safety for passengers and prevent pilferage of baggage and cargo.
The civil aviation ministry had proposed to introduce the new ground handling policy from 2007, but implementation has been delayed due to resistance from airlines and manpower supplying agencies.
27/03/11 PTI/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Airports Mar 2011