End non-scheduled, scheduled airline distinction, says Civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju

NEW DELHI: Civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapati Raju has sought feasibility of removing the distinction between scheduled operators and non-scheduled operators for the purpose of providing commercial operations to various parts of the country.

Erasing the distinction, according to an order issued by the minister’s office, will allow putting to use a large number of aircraft lying dormant with non-scheduled operators, and help increase air connectivity.

Many of these are small planes, ideal to operate to places that have shorter runways and where passenger traffic may not be high.

Removal of the distinction will allow nonscheduled operators to fly regular flights within the country. Under the current policy, they can fly between various destinations, but cannot publish a schedule. If the ministry implements the plan, these operators, who mostly provide charter services now, can publish a schedule and pick passengers on a regular basis by taking a schedule commuter permit.