The Hindu Business Line : Early take-off of open-sky policy

THE GOVERNMENT'S decision to follow an open-sky policy from November 1 to March 31 next year will come as a shot-in-the-arm both for international airlines operating to India and tourists. In a departure from the past, this year the Government has declared its intention of following the open-sky policy well in advance.

Replying to questions in Parliament on August 24, the Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Praful Patel, said that a decision had been taken to have a limited open-sky policy from November 1 to March 31 next year.

The Minister added that the guidelines for the open sky policy would be similar to the policy announced for 2003-04.

To ensure that passengers wanting to travel to and from India do not face any problems in getting a seat, the Government has been following a limited open-sky policy during the peak season for some years now.

During this period, international airlines are allowed to either fly larger aircraft or operate more flights both to and from India.

However, in the past, international airlines, including some European carriers, have been complaining that the Government's decision on open skies was being announced a bit too late for them to offer the full advantage to passengers.

The airlines also complained that they were unable to take up the offer as the announcement was being made after their winter time-tables were firmed up and aircraft had been committed to other destinations on which there was greater passenger demand.

Hence, the Government's early announcement this year has been appreciated by the airline community. A senior official of the German airline, Lufthansa, while welcoming the move, also thanked the Government for announcing the decision in advance. "We really appreciate the Government's timing of the announcement as it helps international airlines plan the cycle of the aircraft to be operated," the official said.

Incidentally, it is not only the airline industry that is keen on the government announcing the open-sky offer in advance. The Ministry of Tourism has also requested the Ministry of Civil Aviation to annouce the policy for a longer time-frame.

While the Government is yet to take a final view on this, the latest relaxation is likely to catch the fancy and imagination of several leading international airlines.

However, most airlines, which operate regular flights to India, are being cautious about announcing their offer plans during the relaxation period. "Kuwait Airways is examining the situation and depending on demand and aircraft availability, we will consider making use of the Government offer," Mr Pran Dasan, Kuwait Airways Manager (Sales and Marketing), , said.

Expressing similar sentiments, the General Manager, India, Gulf Airways, Mr John Anderson, said that the airline would take up the offer and was evaluating it. A senior official of Lufthansa added that the airline would operate a daily service between Bangalore and Frankfurt under the open-sky offer.

In addition, a senior British Airways official said the airline hoped to take up the open-sky offer but wanted some more clarifications from the Indian authorities before a final decision was taken.

But if the present situation on flights to India and airline booking trends are any indication, the open-sky offer is likely to be a success this year also.

In November 2003 and February this year, the implementation of the "open-sky policy" led to international airlines offering an additional 2,20,000 seats.