Opening the skies?

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel is busy these days fighting for the rights of younger Indian carriers to fly on international routes. According to the rules, an airline needs to have been in operation for five years and have a fleet of at least 20 aircraft to fly on international sectors. But Patel feels that the remunerative international routes will help airlines become financially stable.

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What’s more, several countries, particularly West Asian carriers, have allowed airlines that are under a year old to take advantage of bilateral treaties with India and start operations here.

The Cabinet, though, has until now been opposed to the move. However, Patel has not lost hope and is working overtime to garner support for the proposal.

—Kushan Mitra