Paramount Airways applies to fly again

NEW DELHI: Amid Kingfisher’s high profile attempts to renew its lapsed licence, another grounded airline is trying to convince aviation authorities that it be allowed to fly again. Madurai based Paramount Airways — the only other pan Indian carrier apart from Kingfisher that grew after 2005 to be asked to stop flying later — has applied to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ( DGCA) to start operations again either with a fleet of Airbus A-320 and/or ATR turboprop planes.

Paramount MD M Thiagarajan met DGCA chief Arun Mishra last week to convince him that he has the financial strength to run the airline.

“They have applied to fly again. The management claimed to be among the most cash rich in aviation business. We are examining their case as there are some issues that need to be sorted out, including past dues,” said an official. Paramount operated with a fleet of Embraer from 2005 to mid-2010 and had to be grounded due to fleet issues.