DoNER rules out possibility of joint venture for air service

Aizawl, Aug 9 (UNI) The Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) has ruled out the possibility of joint ventures for operating air service in NE states.

DoNER sources said here today the Alliance Air service among the NE states was not satisfactory. Hence, the earlier plan of floating a joint venture to operate the regional air service has been suspended for the time being.

However, the Ministry held consultations with the Civil Aviation Ministry regarding upgradation and upliftment of fleet in the region.

At this stage the proposal of regional air service through Air Deccan and Kingfisher Airlines had been cancelled, sources added.

The Ministry has a stake in operation of the service, as it pays Rs 35 crore annually through the North Eastern Council (NEC) to run the air service in the region but Alliance Air has been operating up to Kolkata affecting the region's interest.

It has also stated that the NEC has engaged the Foundation of Aviation and Sustainable Tourism (FAST) to conduct a study for enhancing air connectivity in the North-East. They have submitted a draft report, which has been circulated to all state governments of North Eastern States for their comments and the final decision would be taken thereafter.

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