Aviation crisis: Private Airlines demand concessions

New Delhi, Nov 27: The top bosses of the India's biggest private airlines met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday sought concessions for the crisis-hit sector.

The Private airline owners demanded for the rationalization of sales tax on jet fuel and faster approvals for private airlines to be allowed to fly on those international routes.

Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal, Indigo promoter Rahul Bhatia, Spice Jet CEO Neil Mill and Go Air owner Jeh Wadia attended the meeting. Vijay Mallya Kingfisher promoter and civil aviation minister Vyalar Ravi were not there in the meeting.

However, some airlines are demanding a change in the aviation policy to allow foreign countries to pick up stake in Indian carriers while Jet and IndiGo are not in favour of FDI.

According to sources, the PM heard us patiently and agrees that India requires strong airlines. While no firm assurance was given, he did assure that the government would look into our woes.

"There are structural issues that need to be resolved if India is to have strong carriers and the same were conveyed to the PM," said sources.

Meanwhile, Manmohan Singh promised to help the sector and said that private sector need to run efficiently. "But if they do get into difficulties, we have to find ways and means to help them get out of the process,"he added.

OneIndia News