New Delhi: The civil aviation ministry may have another policy battle on its hands soon. Sections of the government want the ministry to change the rule that makes it mandatory for a domestic airline to have at least 5 years of experience before flying abroad.
Several ministries, including finance and corporate affairs, and the Planning Commission feel the policy has no logic as India allows the entry of foreign start-up airlines.
Among the start-ups allowed to fly into the country are Air Arabia, Tiger Airways and AirAsia.
India also does not insist on the foreign newbies the other norm that is a must for domestic carriers flying abroad — a fleet strength of 20.
Last year, the ministry of corporate affairs commissioned a study — Competitive Framework of Civil Aviation Sector in India — which recommended the removal of this discrimination.
The battle for policy change assumes significance against the backdrop of the Foreign Investment Promotion Board’s permission to AirAsia-Tata to start an airline.
11/03/13 Jayanta Roy Chowdhury/Telegraph
