GUIDLELINES ON GROUND HANDLING AT AIRPORTS
On account of security
considerations and in order to streamline the policy on ground
handling services so as to achieve world class standards and to
minimize the number of agencies performing ground handling operations
at airports, the Government has taken a decision to suitably revise
the Airports Authority of India (General Management, Entry for
Ground Handling Services) Regulation, 2000 and to provide a system
by 1st July, 2002, wherein only Air India Limited,
Indian Airlines Limited and Airports Authority of India will form
separate companies, having a minimum of 51 per cent share holding
either directly or through their subsidiaries in the joint venture
with an international operator or foreign airlines, subject to
security clearance from the Government. Such joint venture company
shall induct state-of-the-art technology, equipment of world-class
standards. No ‘self-handling’ by any of the airlines or their
subsidiaries or agencies will be allowed. Pending formation of
separate Companies, Air India and Indian Airlines will directly
provide ground handling services beyond 30 June 2003.
This information
was given by the Minster of State for Civil Aviation Shri Shripad
Yesso Naik in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
