NEW DELHI: The new civil aviation policy, which is in the advanced stage of finalisation would provide a long-term road map for the sector’s growth, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said.
“Government is in the process of developing a comprehensive Civil Aviation Policy which shall provide a long term road map for the aviation sector…the growth of aviation and tourism industry also has significant ripple effects on other segments, particularly in the services and hospitality sectors”, Mr Raju said while inaugurating the 8th International Conference on Indian Civil Aviation & Tourism,’ organized in the national capital by ASSOCHAM.
Noting that aviation and tourism have an inter-dependent relationship, the minister said that the tourism market grows by itself with new connections and a popular destination attracts the operation of more flights.
The rapid growth of the tourism industry, both domestic and international supported by the entry of airline operators offering low fares, has led to the rapid growth of air traffic in the country, Mr Raju said.
He said his ministry is working on an integrated inter-ministerial strategy to promote India as a regional aviation hub for both passenger and air cargo.
The ministry is also working to provide opportunities for skill development in the aviation sector and encourage industry to develop and assist in policies to ensure a steady and qualified pipeline of talent in aviation sector, he added.
On Tuesday, the Civil Aviation ministry had made a presentation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the draft aviation policy.
“The Prime Minister has recently discussed aviation sector issues with Aviation minister, Finance minister and bureaucrats. The outcomes of the meeting will be in the public domain very soon,” Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said at the conference.
Mr Sharma said that there has been wide ranging consultation and discussion with Prime Minister on the 5/20 rules, adding,”5/20 rule will be re-addressed with a certain changes or new norm.”
At present, Indian carriers who have completed five years of domestic operations and having at least a fleet of 20 planes are eligible to fly on international routes.
Besides, the ministry has also discussed a complete ‘Open Sky Policy’ for the country that comes within a radius of 5,000 km, he added.
(PTI)