Kochi: A controversy is brewing over the government decision to appoint Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology (RGAAT) for the Air-Ambulance service.
RGAAT, which did not figure in the four companies which submitted the expression of interests (EoIs), was appointed without even the mandatory tender process, alleged industry players. More damning is the fact that the RGAAT aircraft does not qualify as an Air-Ambulance and it does not have the licence for commercial operations, they said.
"This is not an Air Ambulance, but just a simple small aircraft with four passenger seating, primarily meant for pilot training on twin engine aircraft.
“This aircraft is powered by Piston Engine. This means that the 100LL fuel meant for such aircraft are usually not found at many airports, which will result in flight operations and delays," said Ashish Kumar, CEO of Flying Birds Aviation, which was among the four companies that had submitted the Expression of Interest (EoIs) for the government's Air-Ambulance project.
04/03/16 Rajesh Abraham/New Indian Express
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RGAAT, which did not figure in the four companies which submitted the expression of interests (EoIs), was appointed without even the mandatory tender process, alleged industry players. More damning is the fact that the RGAAT aircraft does not qualify as an Air-Ambulance and it does not have the licence for commercial operations, they said.
"This is not an Air Ambulance, but just a simple small aircraft with four passenger seating, primarily meant for pilot training on twin engine aircraft.
“This aircraft is powered by Piston Engine. This means that the 100LL fuel meant for such aircraft are usually not found at many airports, which will result in flight operations and delays," said Ashish Kumar, CEO of Flying Birds Aviation, which was among the four companies that had submitted the Expression of Interest (EoIs) for the government's Air-Ambulance project.
04/03/16 Rajesh Abraham/New Indian Express
