The Hindu Business Line : Aviation policy goes to GoM

New Delhi June 15 The Civil Aviation policy was referred to a Group of Ministers (GoM) on Friday after some Cabinet Ministers raised questions about certain proposals mooted in the policy including allowing more domestic airlines abroad, creation of merchant airports and plans to corporatise the air traffic control system.

"The GoM composition should be decided in the next two weeks and the policy should be ready to be placed before the Cabinet in the next three months," official sources said.

"The Ministry of Civil Aviation was keen to ensure that the policy was dynamic as developments in the sector are happening fast and it is not possible to approach the Cabinet for every small detail all the time. This was objected to by some members and therefore it was referred to the GoM, as it should allow wider consultations," official source said.

On the issue of allowing more airlines abroad, the Ministry was said to be keen that the policy not mention specifics including the number of aircraft required for international operations, which Cabinet members objected to.

"Suppose the policy says that an airline should have 12 aircraft in its fleet before being allowed abroad, and the Government gets sound proposal for being permitted abroad though it has 11 aircraft. Giving it approval would go against a Cabinet decision, although the airlines plans may be sound. The Ministry is keen to avoid such situations and therefore wants greater flexibility," officials said.