Draft aviation policy in public domain by month-end

The draft civil aviation policy is likely to be made public by this month-end seeking views and suggestions from stakeholders and other people, Union Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said. The Civil Aviation Minister said the government would give about 10 days time to the public to give their views after which the policy would be given final shape for its implementation."We are hopeful of completing the exercise (consultations with the stake holders)... the policy should be out in public domain by the month end," he told reporters on the sidelines of an international conference on general aviation organised by the national chopper operatorPawan Hans. The government would give about 10 days time to stakeholders and the public at large for their suggestions on the draft policy, he said adding, "we don't want to miss anything in the policy". The policy would be given final shape for its implementation once this exercise gets completed, he added without giving any timeline.

Significantly, Civil Aviation Ministry had made a presentation on the policy to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August, following which it was decided to set up a committee of secretaries to build a consensus on the proposed civil aviation policy. The new policy which has been in the works for quite sometime is anticipated to focus on improving air connectivity, apart from possible changes in overseas flying norms for local carriers. Among others, the draft policy proposes to enhance regional air connectivity, rationalise jet fuel cost, promote air cargo, maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) and helicopter operations and improve passenger facilitation.

The government also plans to revise the 5/20 norms, whereby domestic airlines are required to have at least five years operational experience and minimum 20 planes to fly overseas.