Govt says no security lapse on PM's spl aircraft

New Delhi, Aug 8: The government today said as per preliminary report the matter of theft at Prime Minister's Special Aircraft has not been found to be in nature of a security lapse but the individual responsibilty is being fixed and staff and crew concerned have been taken off from VVIP flight duties till further orders.

On coming to know of the incident, Civil Aviation Secretary has taken a serious view and has directed Air India to investigate the matter thoroughly, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel told the Rajya Sabha.

In a written reply, the Minister said '' as per a preliminary report, the matter has not been found to be in the nature of security lapse''.

When the VVIP flight carrying the Prime Minister was about to take-off from Hanover for Berlin on April 24, the Air India Flight Purser in charge of a bar cart on the upper deck of the plane, noticed that a plastic bar seal had been broken and six bottles of liquor were missing.

A proposal of the Kerala government for the construction of an airport of international standards at Kannur in Kerala is being examined by the Centre.

Mr Patel said both Air India and Indian Airlines are commercial organisations and respond to market recquirements depending upon competition, demand/supply, seasonability, frequency, timings, direct/indirect operations etc.

The airlines adjust their fares to meet such dynamic market requirements and in order to maintain normal schedule during lean season, fares are revised during high season to sustain operations throughout the year.

Air India has also launched its low cost carrier, Air India Express in April, 2005, to provide economic and safe travel to people who are employed in the gulf with modest salaries.

UNI

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