Kochi/Bengaluru: Proposed state-run carrier Air Kerala is eager to take wings to the Gulf albeit it has not received final clearances to commence operations from competent authorities. A key stumbling block for the aspiring carrier is the contentious 5/20 (5-year operation with 20 aircraft) rule required for international route operations.
Air Kerala has been fancying its chances to get clearances to operate international routes in the wake of rising voices to aviation authorities asking for a rethink on this rule. However, many desi airline operators who had long sought for relaxation of this rule, seem to have a change of heart as the easing of the 5/20 rule will give ‘undue advantage’ to new carriers.
With keen interest in flying to the Gulf region over domestic operations, government authorities are leaving no stone unturned to give wings to their airline proposal. “We are hopeful that the government will relax these (5/20) norms. The original purpose of Air Kerala is to serve Non Resident Keralites (NRKs) in the Gulf region by protecting them against exploitation. If domestic operations are started, they will not serve the true purpose of the project,” KC Joseph, NRK Affairs Minister of Kerala told Express.
According to airline operators and analysts, India that aims to become one of the biggest civil aviation markets in the world by 2020 is said to have some of the most regressive regulations impeding the growth of the sector. Malaysia-based low cost carrier AirAsia had said that the 5/20 rule is not allowing India to tap the potential of tourism.
30/01/15 Pramod Thomas/Sharan Poovanna/New Indian Express
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Air Kerala has been fancying its chances to get clearances to operate international routes in the wake of rising voices to aviation authorities asking for a rethink on this rule. However, many desi airline operators who had long sought for relaxation of this rule, seem to have a change of heart as the easing of the 5/20 rule will give ‘undue advantage’ to new carriers.
With keen interest in flying to the Gulf region over domestic operations, government authorities are leaving no stone unturned to give wings to their airline proposal. “We are hopeful that the government will relax these (5/20) norms. The original purpose of Air Kerala is to serve Non Resident Keralites (NRKs) in the Gulf region by protecting them against exploitation. If domestic operations are started, they will not serve the true purpose of the project,” KC Joseph, NRK Affairs Minister of Kerala told Express.
According to airline operators and analysts, India that aims to become one of the biggest civil aviation markets in the world by 2020 is said to have some of the most regressive regulations impeding the growth of the sector. Malaysia-based low cost carrier AirAsia had said that the 5/20 rule is not allowing India to tap the potential of tourism.
30/01/15 Pramod Thomas/Sharan Poovanna/New Indian Express
