Cracks have emerged within the government over the policy of allowing private carriers to fly abroad, with the ministries of external affairs and home opposing any move to dilute existing norms.
The civil aviation ministry has proposed doing away with the present minimum of five years of domestic flying experience and a fleet size of 20 aircraft. The present system is to be replaced with a new model giving the civil aviation ministry the final word on permitting domestic airlines to fly abroad without any minimum conditions.
A note circulated by the ministry of external affairs reiterates its stand that only airlines meeting the minimum conditions should be allowed to fly abroad. It has been argued that airlines need five years of operations to demonstrate their financial strength before flying abroad. It has also been pointed out that the present system is a good way to assess an airline?s credentials. At the same time, issues like requiring security clearance before being allowed to fly overseas have also been mooted by a section within government. It has also been pointed out that giving complete powers to the civil aviation ministry would be counter productive.
A section of new domestic carriers have also been pressing for a lowering of the present bar on flying on international routes. Some airlines have also pointed out that the present system and the proposed move by the civil aviation sector would only favour airlines already flying abroad thus preventing the entry of new players on lucrative international routes.