The October 2015 draft aviation policy announced by the civil aviation ministry has many redeeming features. One is the new maintenance, repair and overhaul policy that the draft proposes. If the government walks its talk, we can expect a real shift from the way this business has been conducted in India so far. We can expect many more airlines to get their aircraft serviced and repaired in the country and perhaps attract other airlines in the region to come to India for servicing too.
On ground handling - a contentious matter for a long time - there is, perhaps for the first time, a business-like approach. Airlines are free to do their own ground handling or choose from a minimum of three ground handlers. There is no upper limit to how many ground handlers there can be at an airport. There's more competition, more choice and that's certainly the best way forward.
There are some other nice details one doesn't expect from the government. Safety and security - often overlooked or usually ignored - have been given a fresh look into instead of reiterating the same old archaic norms and rules. If the government follows through on its intentions, India's skies and ground should be a lot calmer and safer than they were in the past.
30/11/15 Anjuli Bhargava/Business Standard
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On ground handling - a contentious matter for a long time - there is, perhaps for the first time, a business-like approach. Airlines are free to do their own ground handling or choose from a minimum of three ground handlers. There is no upper limit to how many ground handlers there can be at an airport. There's more competition, more choice and that's certainly the best way forward.
There are some other nice details one doesn't expect from the government. Safety and security - often overlooked or usually ignored - have been given a fresh look into instead of reiterating the same old archaic norms and rules. If the government follows through on its intentions, India's skies and ground should be a lot calmer and safer than they were in the past.
30/11/15 Anjuli Bhargava/Business Standard
