New policy on regional airlines soon: Patel

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

Kangra (Himachal Pradesh), Mar 28: A new aviation policy catering to 'regional airlines' was on the anvil, which would usher in an era of rapid growth not only in air traffic but also in regional development. Announcing this today, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said the policy, which will be out in a month or two, would be exclusively for airlines operating in regional areas. ''The licences for these airlines would be valid only in the their region of operation and they would be debarred from operating outside their 'circles'.'' The policy would redefine the concept of 'regional airlines' and as an incentive would come with certain benefits for them, he told mediapersons after inaugurating the new terminal building here this afternoon.

However, if the airlines 'expanded' beyond the 'designated region', their licences would be revoked and benefits withdrawn, he said adding that the thrust would be on linking small cities through air and promoting tourism, development and increasing employment.

Mr Patel also informed that all airports across the country would have night landing facilities (NLF) within an year.

''We have taken a policy decision on upgrading basic navigational aids and facilities at airports and NLF was one just of them. This was important due to growing competition and traffic where reliability factor was important.'' With civil aviation in India growing by 46 per cent per annum, upgradation of airports was on in a big way with several technological inputs, and presently more than 40 airports have the NLF, he informed the media.

This would have to be done to connect big cities like Delhi and Mumbai with smaller towns so as to bring development in remote areas through optional routes of transport, he said adding ''heli-tourism, sea planes, chartered flights were other options being explored and encouraged.'' Tourism, through better connectivity, has done wonders to places like Dubai and Singapore and it has to be done here too, the minister added.

UNI

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