Mumbai : In order to make the aviation sector attractive among investors, the aviation ministry is considering developing a ‘world-class’ regulatory framework, said Union aviation minister Jayant Sinha. He was in the city to attend a conference on airport investments.
Sinha said that that for next 15 years, the airport infrastructure in India would require investment of Rs 2-3 lakh crore.
He added, “This is just the investment that is required to build the airports.” This does not include the connectivity around the airport or any other infrastructure development around the airports.
“This is a significant investment that we will need to build up our airport capacity. It will be driven largely through the PPP model. Thus, it is important for us to ensure that our tariff structures and regulations are world class and attractive to the investors while keeping in mind the affordability factor for our passengers.” Sinha added, “We are working together to put in place a regulatory framework.” An official told The Free Press Journal, “The ministry has not started any concrete work on the regulatory framework yet. Only discussion on various forums have started.” This will enable them to understand the position of the industry on the same.
Sinha also stated that the ministry is working towards putting in place a regulatory framework that would attract investors not just to aviation but tourism sector as well. As most of these airports will be built in the tier II and III cities, it is expected to drive tourism in the sector.
He stressed the need to work along with the tourism sector as it is considered as a very important aspect of airport capacity building. This framework will be developed keeping in mind the tourism sector as well.
No-fly list norms to be finalised in July first week
Mumbai : The Civil Aviation Ministry would ensure that the norms for no-fly list, to be finalised in the first week of July, balances the interests of all stakeholders, according to Union Minister Jayant Sinha. The ministry has received ‘very comprehensive and exhaustive feedback’ from the stakeholders on the proposed rules to deal with unruly passengers, the Minister said. The ministry has already come out with draft rules for a ‘national no-fly list’ of unruly passengers for all domestic carriers, under which the flying ban could extend from at least three months to an indefinite period. On the other hand about debt-laden Air India, Sinha said that inter-ministerial consultations on the future course of action for Air India have been completed and the Cabinet would decide on how best to move forward. Air India is staying afloat on taxpayers’ money and the government is looking at all options for its revival, including privatisation.
