New policy after new government

The Government of India has been talking to different stakeholders in the aviation industry and is in the process of drafting a new policy which would prop up the aviation sector, both commercial and general aviation. Disclosing this to presspersons at India Aviation, the Civil Aviation Secretary, Ashok Lavasa said that one would have to wait for the new government in place for the new policy. However, one of the priorities was promoting regional aviation, connecting Tier II and Tier III cities. The plan was to develop low cost airports across the country.

As regards international route liberalisation, now restricted by the five year and 20 aircraft rule, Lavasa said that it would be considered once a new ministry was formed.

On the issue of aviation safety and security, he mentioned that international safety and security standards as enunciated by International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and other bodies were being followed. “It is an ongoing exercise and the authorities will ensure that standard operating procedures are followed.”