Mumbai: Kingfisher Airlines' attempt to resume operations is likely to be stonewalled by the state-run Airports Authority of India (AAI), as the grounded airline still owes the airport operator around Rs 300 crore.
AAI has threatened the airline that it will withhold the no-objection certificate to authorities till such time its dues have been cleared. Kingfisher, submitted another revival plan to DGCA on Wednesday — the fifth (since it was grounded in October 2012), in a bid to seek a renewal of its operating licence.
Kingfisher Airlines plans to resume operations with seven aircraft. KFA has also proposed to clear nine months' salaries of its employees soon. "Kingfisher is yet to communicate with us regarding the NOC (no-objection certificate). AAI will not permit them to fly till they clear the dues. The airline has fooled everybody for long now," AAI chairman VP Agrawal told ET.
Kingfisher is considering an option to seek permission to operate flights on a cash and carry basis till such time it clears AAI dues from the state-run authority. But Agrawal denied any such possibility and said the airline needs to first pay past dues and then fly.
12/04/13 Manisha Singhal/Economic Times
