GROUND HANDLING AT THE AIRPORTS
LOK
SABHA
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, 2003, 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 though their subsidiaries in the joint venture
with an international operator or foreign airlines, subject to
security clearance from the Government. 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.
Formation of subsidiary/joint
venture companies will enable Indian Airlines, Air India and Airports
Authority of India to meet additional responsibilities.
Decision with regard
to requirement of manpower, if any, will be decided by concerned
subsidiary/joint venture companies at an appropriate time.
This information
was given by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Shripad
Yesso Naik in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
