Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has abolished the Aircraft Acquisition Committee, doing away with government control over acquisition of aircraft by scheduled and non-scheduled operators, private operators and flying training institutes.
In a statement issued here, the Ministry spokesman said that permission for actual induction of aircraft would no longer be required from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA). Henceforth, only an initial no objection certificate (NOC) for operating scheduled and non-scheduled air transport services, including regional air transport services, and an in-principle approval for acquisition of aircraft by scheduled operators would be required , as this is necessary under Rules 134 and 134A of the Aircraft Rules and the RBI guidelines.
At present, the Aviation Ministry’s approval is required for issuing an initial NOC in cases of scheduled airlines, non-scheduled airlines, flying institutes and private operators. Besides this, the Ministry’s approval is also required for acquisition of aircraft by scheduled and non-scheduled operators, flying training institutes, and private use. It is also required for replacement of aircraft.
After implementation of this decision, no approval from the Ministry will be required by anybody for actual import/replacement of aircraft, and all such cases will be dealt by the Director General of Civil Aviation for completion of necessary formalities.
This is another step towards liberalisation of the civil aviation sector. This decision will reduce delays in seeking approval, and will help airlines to plan better for future induction of aircraft.
