Life-long upgrade to 1st class on Air India for ex-ministers

“Upgradation of facility is only subject to availability of seats,hence Air India on this account would not incur any loss,” Patel said.

The government has also decided to give other facilities like airport entry pass and VIP car parking label for former ministers,secretaries and their family members,the minister added.

Replying to another question,Patel said the government is considering leasing out six Boeing 777 aircraft.

He,however,said the exact terms for the lease would be known only after the processing of tender.

“The estimated cost of maintenance of B777-200LR and B777-300ER aircraft is Rs 8.61 crore and Rs 12.66 crore per aircraft per annum respectively,” he said.

To another query,the minister said the government has granted an in-principle approval to private carrier Spicejet for undertaking international operations beginning from May

23. But no specific routes have been alloted to the airlines,the minister said.

Patel added that another private carrier IndiGo will become eligible for international operations from August 2011,as per existing rules.