Kerala offers 25% of Air Kerala
to Air India

Kerala govt goes the extra mile to get clearance for state-owned airline Air Kerala to fly to Gulf

BY A CORRESPONDENT
February 2, 2006

The Kerala Government will allow 25% stake in the proposed Air Kerala airline to Air India, if it is allowed to operate flights to Gulf countries. This offer was made by Kerala chief minister Oommen Chandy, after the central government has expressed difficulty in conceding the state's demand for waiving the condition than an airline should have minimum 20 aircraft and five year's flying experience to operate international flights.

According to the Kerala government, Air Kerala deserves the concessions given to Air India Express, since it is a government-backed venture. Air India Express was allowed to fly with three aircraft and no previous operational experience. Air India Express is a subsidiary of Air India.

The Kerala Government is still waiting for the Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel's response in this regard. If he rejects this too, the government would seek other ways to get clearance, since it is not a profit-driven venture, said the chief minister.

The chief minister also urged the Members of the Parliament from the state to pressurise the central ministry to clear the project. If Air Kerala becomes a reality, it will be a boon for thousands of Keralites who cannot afford the present airfare of other airlines including Air India.