New Delhi: It will be a big bang Diwali for desi flyers this year. The
Tata Sons-Singapore Airlines (SIA) JV full service airline is aiming for
an October launch to catch the festive rush. While hiring is on in full
swing, the brand name is going to be announced in a few weeks.
The JV's original plan was to start operations from September 1, a date that has now got pushed back slightly. The launch is likely to be much before Diwali (October 23) as the festive rush begins weeks in advance.
The JV expects its first plane, an Airbus A-320, in September and plans to start operations a month later by when it would have two to three planes. It is in talks with GMR-run IGI Airport (IGIA) as Delhi is going to be its hub. "By the end of the fourth year, we will have 20 aircraft," said an official.
However, the fleet acquisition plans may accelerate if the government drops the current rule that an Indian carrier must have flown for five years and have a fleet of at least 20 planes to fly abroad. "We will consider flying overseas earlier if this rule goes," said the official.
Delhi Airport management is already hoping Tata-SIA would launch long-haul overseas flights from IGIA and help fulfil their dream of making the capital a global aviation hub. Air India, which is now a Star Alliance member, already has Delhi as its hub.
Read news in full 18/07/14 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
The JV's original plan was to start operations from September 1, a date that has now got pushed back slightly. The launch is likely to be much before Diwali (October 23) as the festive rush begins weeks in advance.
The JV expects its first plane, an Airbus A-320, in September and plans to start operations a month later by when it would have two to three planes. It is in talks with GMR-run IGI Airport (IGIA) as Delhi is going to be its hub. "By the end of the fourth year, we will have 20 aircraft," said an official.
However, the fleet acquisition plans may accelerate if the government drops the current rule that an Indian carrier must have flown for five years and have a fleet of at least 20 planes to fly abroad. "We will consider flying overseas earlier if this rule goes," said the official.
Delhi Airport management is already hoping Tata-SIA would launch long-haul overseas flights from IGIA and help fulfil their dream of making the capital a global aviation hub. Air India, which is now a Star Alliance member, already has Delhi as its hub.
Read news in full 18/07/14 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
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