AI readies back-up flights in case of Aug 18 shutdown

MUMBAI: Air India has chalked out contingency plans to deploy 430-seater B747s on routes such as Mumbai-Delhi, if the private airlines go ahead with their August 18 plan.

Mumbai and Delhi airports will see four-engine B 747s take off, perhaps for the first time in India, on two-hour or shorter routes. ������It is not economical. But then this is an emergency,������ said a senior commander, explaining that a B747 burns 10 tons of fuel an hour as compared to the 2,400 kilograms of fuel burned by aircraft like A320.

The DGCA also issued a stern letter to all private airlines. ������In accordance with Para 6 to Appendix 3 of your Permit to Operate Scheduled Air Transport Services, you are required to inform about flight cancellations to this office along with reasons thereof,������ the letter said.

Any violation of these rules or doing something not mentioned in them like en masse suspension of operations would invite a penalty and jail term under the relevant civil aviation requirements, said a DGCA official.

Meanwhile, FIA, in a press release said they would be happy to enter into discussions with government and reconsider their decision if their difficulties were addressed. The press release twice stressed that ������ FIA members are not seeking any charity or bail-out from the government������