CCI calls for easing norms for airlines flying abroad

New Delhi: The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has advocated the abolition of the minimum eligibility criteria for Indian carriers to launch international services and said that the norm is acting as an impediment for the Indian aviation sector.
According to the regulation, every Indian carrier needs to complete five years of flying in the domestic space and needs to have a fleet of 20 aircraft to launch international operations.
"One of the major impediments to domestic airlines launching international services is the five year/20 aircraft rule, a restriction that does not apply to foreign airlines. Once this rule is relaxed, the contestability of the Indian aviation sector is likely to increase and make the Indian aviation sector more competitive," CCI said in its order clearing the stake sale by Jet Airways to Etihad.
Read News In full 02/12/13 Mihir Mishra/Indian Express