Quirky facts

Some facts and figures about aviation.

Indian civil aviation started in 1912 when the London-Karachi flight of Imperial Airways, UK, was extended from Karachi to Delhi.

At the time of Independence, India had nine airlines, before Orient Airways shifted to Pakistan.

J R D Tata brought the first airline to India in 1932 and piloted its first flight.

After Independence, World War II-abandoned Dakotas were available for Rs 10,000. Many rich fliers became aircraft owners.The repeal of the Air Corporation Act from 1994 enabled private operators to provide air transport services. Six operators were given the status of scheduled operators in 1995. Now there are 5 international airports, and 87 domestic airports with 28 civilian enclaves for defence purposes.