DGCA to monitor air tariff hike

Tonique

Editor

posted on 13 years ago — updated on 1 second ago

33
views

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: DirectorGeneral of Civil Aviation (DGCA) E K Bharat Bhushan said that the DGCA would monitor the air tariff hi..

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: DirectorGeneral of Civil Aviation (DGCA) E K Bharat Bhushan said that the DGCA would monitor the air tariff hike usually being effected by air taxis during the peak season.
Addressing a "meet the press" programme here on Monday, he said there was a big stride in domestic air traffic during the last five years. Compared to the 2005 figures, there has been unprecedented growth in the domestic market in spite of the economic slowdown during 200708 and 200809. The domestic market has crossed the figure of 50 million in the last calender year. He said in the current year, 24 percent growth is expected. Seven private air taxis having a fleet strength of 433 aircraft were handling 82 per cent of the domestic air traffic. Various private companies also have around 1000 charted aircraft and 278 helicopters.

The number of operational airports in the country will rise to 82 from 65 in 2011. He said the government had decided to merge the DGCA with the Civil Aviation Authority, an autonomous body which will be formed soon. Referring to the safety aspects at the airports in the country, he said the DGCA has been entrusted with the safety auditing. However, the number of safety personnel attached to the DGCA was just 14.

Bharat Bhushan, who is also on the the director board of Air India, said the stateowned carrier was facing a severe crisis. In the last two years alone, the AI had an accumulated loss of Rs13,000 crore. No new aircraft had been inducted since 1989. The government would pump in Rs 6000 crore and Rs 7000 crore in the next two years to bail out the national carrier, he said. He said the State Government has assured 137 acres of land for the development of Karipur airport. Talks have been held with the Chief Minister in this regard.