The Hindu Business Line : Cabinet may review civil aviation policy today

New Delhi June 3 The Union Cabinet is likely to consider on Thursday the Civil Aviation policy that could relax guidelines for domestic airlines to fly internationally.

The policy, that is being called `Vision 2020', is likely to empower the Ministry of Civil Aviation to draw up fresh guidelines for more airlines to fly abroad.

The existing guideline of an airline having operated for five years in the domestic skies before being allowed internationally is also likely to be altered as a result of the policy being approved. If this were to happen, it could prove beneficial to Kingfisher Airlines that has ordered wide-body aircraft for international operations.

At the moment, Kingfisher is not eligible to operate overseas as it has been flying for only two years.

For some time now the need for allowing more airlines from India to fly abroad has been felt as foreign airlines carry the bulk of international passenger traffic.

"A careful analysis would have to be done to find out to which country which airlines should be allowed to operate. The existing guideline of having a minimum of 20 aircraft to be eligible to operate abroad is likely to be retained," a senior Ministry official said. Currently Air India, Air India Express, Indian, Jet Airways and Air Sahara are allowed to operate internationally.

The policy is unlikely to make any changes in the existing foreign direct investment levels.