Centre for better regional airlines

Centre for better regional airlines

The Ministry of Civil Aviation introduced a separate category of permit Scheduled Operator Permit for Regional Airlines that will benefit regions like Northeast, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Praful Patel said.

The matter regarding Regional Airlines was being considered in view of the fact that there was a need to expand air services to the Tier II and Tier III cities to meet the unfulfilled demand for the same which the existing operators are unable to cater to for various reasons, Patel told newspersons at a press conference". It was felt that a separate category of Airlines mainly with smaller aircrafts might be encouraged to fill this gap and also contribute to the overall growth in the sector," he said. In this connection it may be clarified that the existing provisions for Scheduled Operator Permit would also remain in force and such permit for unrestricted operation of scheduled flights throughout the country would be considered only for those companies which have proven financial strength and organizational capabilities to successfully manage such complex operations, the Minister added. A separate category of operator permit will be introduced i.e., Scheduled Operator Permit for Regional Airlines.

This will be applicable for both fixed wing and helicopter operators and these airlines would be called as Regional Airlines. To qualify for the permit, the applicant Company should undertake operations primarily between airports of any of the four regions - Northeast, East, North, South and West, the Minister said.