DGCA to monitor air tariff hike

Thiruvananthapuram: DirectorGeneral of Civil Aviation (DGCA) E K Bharat Bhushan said that the DGCA would monitor the air tariff hike usually being effected by air taxis during the peak season.
Addressing a "meet the press" programme here on Monday, he said there was a big stride in domestic air traffic during the last five years. Compared to the 2005 figures, there has been unprecedented growth in the domestic market in spite of the economic slowdown during 2007-08 and 2008-09.
The domestic market has crossed the figure of 50 million in the last calender year.
He said in the current year, 24 percent growth is expected. Seven private air taxis having a fleet strength of 433 aircraft were handling 82 per cent of the domestic air traffic. Various private companies also have around 1000 charted aircraft and 278 helicopters.
The number of operational airports in the country will rise to 82 from 65 in 2011. He said the government had decided to merge the DGCA with the Civil Aviation Authority, an autonomous body which will be formed soon. Referring to the safety aspects at the airports in the country, he said the DGCA has been entrusted with the safety auditing. However, the number of safety personnel attached to the DGCA was just 14.
13/07/11 Indian Express

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Jul 2011