Airlines to self-handle ground operations?

New Delhi: Financially strained Indian carriers may finally get some relief. Aviation minister Ajit Singh has decided to review a controversial ground handling policy that disallowed airlines from doing self handling. According to the policy, metro airports were to have three ground handling companies and non-metros to have two companies.
Airlines had opposed the policy and challenged it in courts on the basis that it would force them to opt for costlier ground handlers and sack thousands of employees who currently do the job for them. "I don't see the logic in such a decision and will revisit this entire thing. We will also talk to airlines about what they feel on this issue and take a decision that is acceptable to all," Singh said. The review will consider allowing airlines to continue in the self-handling role, something they say is most cost-effective and efficient.
Metro airports were to have three ground handling companies — one each headed by the local airport developer, by Air India and an independent agency. Airlines were to be free to choose from them.
11/06/12 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Categories: airports Jun 2012, Indian Aviation- In General Jun 2012, New Jun 2012