DGCA snubs domestic airlines, clears runway for Tata-SIA’s take-off

Clearing the decks for grant of air operator permit to Tata-SIA Airlines, aviation regulator DGCA on Wednesday overruled all the objections raised by Federation of Indian Airlines (FIA) over the application of the start-up carrier. The DGCA said it does not find any reason for not considering the application of Tata-SIA Airlines for grant of scheduled Air Operator Permit (AOP) as the objections raise have not been ‘able to make out any case against’ and were not sustainable. ‘I do not find any reason for not considering the application of Tata-SIA Airlines Ltd, for grant of AOP (Scheduled) after the detailed examination of objections or issues raised in the representations... the response of Tata-SIA Airlines Ltd and various rules and other provisions for issuance of Air Operator Permit,’ Director General Civil Aviation Prabhata Kumar said in a statement. FIA is the umbrella organisation of the domestic airlines.

‘It is, therefore, decided to consider the application of Tata SIA Airlines Ltd for issuance of AOP (Scheduled) subject to the compliance of various requirements in terms of various rules and circulars. However, this decision shall be subject to any interim or final order of the Delhi High Court,’ he said. The Tata-SIA Airline, a 51:49 joint venture between Tata Sons and
Singapore Airlines, had submitted its application for AOP in April to aviation regulator DGCA.
The Air Operator Permit would enable it to provide scheduled air transport services in the country.