Government awards 128 air routes under regional connectivity scheme

NEW DELHI: The aviation ministry on Thursday said the first regional flight under the policy to make air travel accessible to the common man, Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN) scheme, will start from next month after it selected 27 proposals from five airlines to connect 128 routes across the country, connecting 31more unserved airports.

Under the scheme, the government aims to enhance grassroot adoption of aviation as a transportation medium and offers carriers cash subsidies for selling up to 40 seats per aircraft at Rs 2,500 for each hour of flight. "We expect that the first regional flight will start from next month," aviation secretary RN Choubey said on Thursday.

The five selected airlines are Alliance Air, SpiceJet, Turbo Megha Airways Pvt Ltd (TruJet Brand), Air Deccan and Air Odisha Aviation Pvt Ltd (Air Odisha). Of the five airlines, three will have to apply to the Directorate General of civil Aviation (DGCA) for Airline Operator Permit under scheduled commuter category. Alliance Air and SpiceJet do not have to apply for any such permit and can start regional flights right away.

#UDAN network will cover the whole country, giving a major economic boost to hinterland areas. New routes announced today #TransformingIndia pic.twitter.com/oOUHHrJWo7

— Ashok Gajapathi Raju (@Ashok_Gajapathi) March 30, 2017

"We have formed committees to ensure that these airlines get their Airline operators Permit (AOP) in four months. TruJet will get approvals faster and in as early as one month’s time as they already have a regional operator’s licence," BS Bhullar, Director General of DGCA told ET.

Through the UDAN scheme, the government will provide connectivity to 31more airports in the country. "In a century of civil aviation, only 76 airports were connected with scheduled commercial flights. In one year since aviation policy was announced, 31more unserved airports will get connectivity," Choubey further said.

"This will give a huge fillip to investments, tourism and job creation in the interiors of India. Operators should try and synchronise their schedules and enter into code share agreements with larger carriers.Aclose collaboration between RCS operators and larger airlines would help India get closer to its dream of becoming largest market by 2030," said Amber Dubey, partner and India head of aerospace and defence at KPMG.