Journalism of Courage
By: Sharmistha Mukherjee
Industry lobby body the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) have written to the ministry of civil aviation vehemently opposing a proposal, which if implemented, will mandate Indian airlines to earn international flying rights by providing connectivity to underserved and unserved areas.
Under the current norms, Indian airlines are required to have a minimum fleet of 20 aircraft and 5 years of operational experience (known as the 5/20 rule) for starting international services. As per the new policy for promoting regional and remote area connectivity, Indian airlines would be able to start overseas services if they have a minimum fleet of five aircraft and have accrued sufficient credits by deploying capacity on domestic routes.
The proposed policy would be discussed by senior aviation officials and chief executive officers of Indian airlines on January 28.
The FIA which includes — IndiGo, Go Air, Jet Airways, SpiceJet — has written to the aviation ministry saying the rule is being changed just to favour one industrial house. The Tata Group recently launched a low-cost carrier with AirAsia Berhad and a full-service carrier with Singapore Airlines, Vistara. Both these airlines have evinced interest in commencing international services out of India.
“The proposed policy also dilutes the commitment already demonstrated by incumbent carriers towards national interest, in their having built up extensive domestic networks, and risks creating a disruptive impact on investments made towards fleet orders and commercial development,” FIA has said in its letter, a copy of which has been reviewed by The Indian Express.
