PANEL TO LOOK INTO
PROBLEMS OF NON-SCHEDULED
OPERATORS CONSTITUTED
The Civil Aviation
Ministry has set up a committee to look into the problems of non
– scheduled operators. This was decided at the meeting between
the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Shripad Y. Naik
with the non – scheduled operators here today. Additional Director
of Tourism Mrs. Rashmi Verma will head the panel. Col. Surinder
Singh of M/S Vidyut Travels Ltd and Capt. Kukar of Asia Aviation
will represent the small operators. The Committee will be assisted
by Deputy Director General of Civil Aviation, Shri Gohain; Member
(Finance) of Airports Authority of India, Shri D.V.D. Prasada
Rao; Commercial Director of Indian Airlines, Shri Anil Goel and
Shri A.K. Singh of BCAS. The Committee will submit its report
by 20th November 2002. 18 non – scheduled operators
participated in today’s meeting.
Shri Naik said that
he is determined to make non – scheduled operators, operate short-haul
air services in sectors, which have been promoted by the Ministry
of Tourism. He assured that various facilities required at the
airports shall be made available to facilitate speedy, reliable
and safe flights in these sectors. The Minister announced that
Indian Airlines would be prepared to provide ticketing and reservation
facilities for the regular operators covering short distances
to and from the tourist spots.
Some of suggestions
given by the small operators, included introduction of credit
card facilities on the lines of Indian Oil’s Calnet system and
the need for providing a ‘single point’ for processing of applications
for use of airports whether belonging to AAI / Air Force, State
Government, etc., so that the operators focus on flying rather
than following procedures. The changes required in the normal
watch hours maintained by AAI according to the flight plans of
the operators, were also demanded. Facilities such as, fuel availability
at the airports, based on the needs of the operators, was also
sought by the participants.
