The Hindu Business Line : MPs critical of controversy on aircraft purchase

THE recent controversy created by Airbus Industrie over the decision of the Air India board to acquire 50 Boeing aircraft came in for flak from Members of Parliament.

At the meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee on Civil Aviation here on Wednesday, Parliamentarians were critical of the controversy created out of the airline's decision to purchase Boeing aircraft and felt that the attitude of foreign companies selling aircraft was deplorable.

Furthermore, they felt that making a political issue out of a purchase was not correct. However, the decision of the national carrier to acquire more aircraft was appreciated by the Members. The AI board on April 26 approved a proposal to purchase 50 Boeing aircraft, including 27 Boeing 787 aircraft in a deal valued at more than $6 billion.

During today's meeting, Members of Parliament also expressed concern over the shortage of pilots and suggested that urgent steps be taken to overcome this. The rising price of aviation turbine fuel, which has impacted domestic airfares, was also raised at the meeting.

Besides, congestion at airports, especially at Delhi and Mumbai, was also taken up.

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