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Air India Ltd. and InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. (IndiGo) have secured in-principle import permissions from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for a substantial number of aircraft, totalling to 970.
In a significant development, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted in-principle approval to both the airlines, permitting them to import 470 (Air India) and 500 aircraft (IndiGo), respectively.
This move comes as a strategic step to enhance the country’s aviation industry and meet the growing demand for air travel in India, said Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Dr V. K. Singh.
The approval of 970 aircraft is a significant milestone in India’s aviation history, he said. These models for Air India include 210 units of the A320 Neo family, 140 units of the B737 family, 40 units of the A350 family, 10 B777-9s, 20 B787-9s, and 50 B737-8s. Meanwhile, IndiGo will acquire 500 aircraft from the A320 Neo family.
Singh believes that this move is expected to be a game-changer for both Air India and IndiGo, enabling them to modernise their fleets and improve operational efficiency.
The cost of acquisition for these aircraft, being of commercial nature between the airlines and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), has not been disclosed as per available information. Nevertheless, this strategic investment is expected to boost the airlines’ capacity, provide passengers with improved services, and potentially create job opportunities within the aviation sector, shared Singh.
The Indian carrier faced a fine of INR 30 lakh from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation after a special audit exposed “systemic deficiencies” in documentation and procedures related to tail strike incidents. The airline asserted compliance with OEM guidelines and regulatory manuals. IndiGo, known for its rapid growth, plans to review the DGCA’s order within a month.
One crucial aspect considered by the DGCA in granting the approval is the availability of parking slots during the actual import of the aircraft. To ensure a seamless import process and prevent operational disruptions, the DGCA has mandated that the airlines share their induction plan with airport operators. This ensures that sufficient parking slots are made available to accommodate the new fleet during the period of 2023 to 2035, as per the proposed induction plan of the airlines. In response to a separate query at Rajya Sabha session, minister Singh had stated that the existing fleet size of aircraft listed on the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for scheduled operators in the country amounts to 729. According to data provided by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the collective fleet size of major domestic airlines is projected to reach approximately 1,600 within the next seven years, he said.
Additionally, with the aviation sector’s growth, this decision is likely to have positive ripple effects on the overall economy, as it opens doors to increased connectivity, tourism, and trade opportunities.
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