India revises 5/20 rule under new aviation policy
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India has unveiled a major new national aviation policy which includes the revision of its controversial “5/20” rule.
Previously under the rule, airlines were required to operate domestic routes for five years and build a fleet of 20 aircraft before they were permitted to launch international services. But under the new rule, Indian carriers will be able to commence international operations provided they deploy at least 20 aircraft or 20% of their total capacity – whichever is higher – on domestic routes.
The new National Civil Aviation Policy was announced this week by India’s Minister of Civil Aviation P. Ashok Gajapathi Raju. The overall goal of this plan is to make India the world’s third largest civil aviation market by 2022, after the US and China.
It aims to achieve this by enhancing regional connectivity, developing more airports and heliports, and promoting “open skies” agreements with other countries.
The minister said that the policy would aim to “take flying to the masses” by making it affordable and convenient, as well as enhancing regional connectivity to more parts of the country.
The policy covers 22 areas including safety, air transport operations, bilateral traffic rights, fiscal support, state-developed airports, private sector partnerships, air navigation, immigration and other issues.
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