The Hindu Business Line : Indian Airlines plans to operate to the UK, US

INDIAN Airlines (IA), which has entered the market to lease 12 wide-body aircraft, could look at operating flights to the UK, US, Canada and Australia.

"If there is a good response to the tenders that have been put out for leasing wide-body aircraft, then we could look at operating to various destinations including London," its Commercial Director, Mr Anil Goyal, said.

The airline would choose from among a variety of aircraft including the Airbus A 310-300, A-330 and A-340, apart from Boeing 767 Extended Range and B-777.

The airline plans to lease the wide-body aircraft for five to seven years. The induction of the aircraft, that is likely to extend for a one-year period starting January next year, could also see the airline expand its route network into new territories in Europe and Saudi Arabia.

The Government has already designated IA to operate flights to Australia and the US. Besides, the airline has received permission to commence operations to the UK. However, the airline does not have the equipment as yet to start services to these countries for which it plans to lease wide-body aircraft.

Apart from leasing wide-body aircraft, the airline will start inducting the first of the five leased Airbus A-319 aircraft from next month and plans to lease some Airbus A-320 aircraft, officials said. The airline also plans to lease the smaller ATR aircraft to serve the regional routes.

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