The budget airline IndiGo is set to make a big splash again. The airline has sought government permission to buy 150 aircraft, an
indication that the crisis-hit aviation sector is fast returning to normal. There are others in the queue as well to add to their fleet. Paramount has asked permission to import 17 jets, which include 10 Airbus 321, one Embraer ERJ and six Q400.
“We have received applications from various companies for import of aircraft. The aircraft acquisition committee would consider it on Monday,” a civil aviation ministry official, who did not wish to be identified, told ET.
The civil aviation ministry will also take up a proposal of Indus Airways to operate scheduled air transport service in the country. The official said the ministry had no objection to IndiGo’s proposal as this is only an in-principle approval . The scheduled carriers also seek government permission when actually importing the aircraft for commercial operation.
Just a year ago, airlines were cutting capacity following a sudden slump due to the financial crisis-triggered slowdown. The sudden revival in the traffic growth has encouraged India’s airlines to expand capacity. Domestic air carriers flew 39.67 lakh passengers during March, registering an increase of 23% over the corresponding month last year.
The airlines were meeting the recent surge in demand through increased frequency, but now they need to add capacity to service the rapidly-rising traffic. Jet Airways has also decided to induct two Boeing 737s into its fleet.
IndiGo had placed an order for 100 aircraft in 2005, creating a flutter in the aviation circles. The ministry is, however, unlikely to clear Paramount Airways’ proposal. Aviation sector regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued notice to the airline asking why its permit to operate scheduled air transport service should not be suspended. Paramount Airways managing director M Thiagrajan has denied that the airline’s status as national scheduled operator has been put on hold. An application seeking import of an aircraft for private use from Chennai-based TVS group is also expected to come up for approval.
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