The move to grant AOP or NOC comes in the wake of the ministry and the
DGCA considering allowing non-scheduled air operators and air charter firms to
convert to scheduled operators to fly on routes not touched by the existing
scheduled airlines.
Six new
airlines are likely to fly in the Indian sky in the coming months with the
government giving flying licence to four of six companies which had sought
permits for launching scheduled, private or charter air operations.
While AirAsia India,
Ligare Aviation Limited, Quickjet Cargo Airlines and LEPL Projects Limited have
been granted the Air Operator’s Permit (AOP) or the flying licence, the two pending
cases are those of Tata-SIA Airlines Limited and Air Pegasus Limited, Minister
of State for Civil Aviation G M Siddeshwara has said.
While AirAsia India has started its operations, Tata-SIA
Airlines, a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, has
announced plans to launch flights by September-end or October.
Recently, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),
which is in the process of examining Tata-SIA’s application for grant of AOP to
launch a full-service carrier, recently dismissed objections from the
Federation of Indian Airlines against it.
The approval for an AOP, when granted, would be subject to the
orders of the Delhi High Court in a case challenging foreign direct investment
in new Indian carriers.
Two other airlines, Air Carnival and Zav Airways, have been
granted the initial No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Civil Aviation
Ministry to start scheduled regional services.
While Air Carnival proposes to operate in the Southern region, Zav Airways
would fly in the Northeastern and Eastern regions, officials said.
Earlier, Ministry officials said NOC has also been granted to
AirOne Aviation, Zexus Air Limited, Premier Air and Turbo Megha.
Getting an NOC is the first step towards launching flight
operations. The airline companies have to then apply to DGCA for the AOP, complete all necessary
requirements and formalities and satisfy the aviation regulator of their
capability to launch flight operations.
The move to grant AOP or NOC comes in the wake of the ministry
and the DGCA considering allowing non-scheduled air
operators and air charter firms to convert to scheduled operators to fly on
routes not touched by the existing scheduled airlines.
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju recently said such
moves were aimed at promoting air travel to unconnected destinations. He also
said that regional airline services needed to be supported by state governments
also as these promoted regional connectivity.
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