Tata-Singapore Airlines venture hits DGCA hurdle

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has invoked the archaic Aircraft Act, 1937, to ask for objections, if any, from domestic airlines against the Tata- Singapore Airline (SIA) proposal, already been cleared by the civil aviation ministry.

According to the DGCA notice, "All the persons likely to be affected by the grant of flying permit to M/ s Tata SIA Airlines Ltd to submit their objections or suggestions, if any, within twenty days of issue of this public notice setting out the specific grounds on which representation is made along with a certificate to the effect." According to official sources, this is bound to delay the venture by, at least, three months.

Interestingly, the DGCA did not invoke these old rules under the Aircraft Act, which made it mandatory for receiving public opinion, in the case of the Jet Airways - Etihad Airways deal.

"Clearly, what is sauce for the goose is not sauce for the gander," remarked a senior official.

However, the DGCA in the case of AirAsia India joint venture with the Tatas had issued notices under the Aircraft Act, which has delayed launch of the new airline by three months.

The DGCA has given 20 days to the public to submit its feedback on TSIA venture after which the regulator will study the objections and send a notice to the carrier. The response would have to be examined by the DGCA to arrive at a conclusion.

Till 1997-98, the DGCA had powers to give no-objection certificate (NOC) and flying permits to start- ups. However, since then, issuing NOCs has become the prerogative of the ministry and the DGCA is only authorised to look into facts concerning granting of permit, a senior civil aviation ministry official said.

A top government official said the DGCA will meet representatives from TSIA and Indian carriers shortly before it moves ahead to inspect TSIA's preparedness before taking a call on its application for a flying permit.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court agreed to hear a plea by the Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) challenging the grant of flying licence to AirAsia India by DGCA. A Bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw posted the matter for hearing today.

The interim application moved by FIA sought to restrain AirAsia India from commencing its scheduled air transport operations during the pendency of the petition.

Courtesy: Mail Today