With various stake holders of Indian aviation — airlines, private airports, oil companies and the government — blaming one another for the current mess, Captain GR Gopinath, the pioneer of low-cost air travel in the country, has decried India’s aviation policy as one that lacks a long -term vision.
He said India’s aviation policies were framed for the benefit of specific segments without addressing the needs of the whole sector.
“Few years ago it benefited the airlines and now aviation policies are more skewed towards private airports. What about air charger, cargo, maintenances & overhaul, aircraft manufacturing and ancillary services?” Captain Gopinath, CMD, Deccan Cargo told Hindustan Times.
He has urged the prime minister to take charge and decide for himself whether the country needs a vibrant aviation sector or not.
Gopinath’s observations comes after private airlines recently threatening to pull out flights due to mounting losses blaming high taxes on jet fuel and increase in airport charges. A few days after, the newly-formed Association of Private Airports Operators went after the airlines demolishing their contention.
He said the low-cost airline model, which he started with Air Deccan in 2004 would stay in India because people have accepted it.
{{/usCountry}}He said the low-cost airline model, which he started with Air Deccan in 2004 would stay in India because people have accepted it.
{{/usCountry}}This is why all full service airlines such as Jet, Kingfisher and Air India are offering low fares to woo price conscious flyers.