http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=104400&leftnm=3&subLeft=0&chkFlg=
Five companies get nod for non-scheduled air services
 
Bipin Chandran / New Delhi September 12, 2006 
 
 
The government has allowed five companies to start non-scheduled airline operations. 
 
These companies include GMR Group, the company that is modernising the Delhi airport and building the greenfield airport in Hyderabad, Business Jets India, Touchwood Entertainment, Sky Aviation and Malhotra Helekopters. 
 
According to civil aviation ministry officials, these companies have been given permission to import aircraft and the no-objection certificate by the government's aircraft import committee last week. 
 
In the last one year, about 15 companies have been given permission to start non-scheduled operations. With this approval, the companies will be able to kick-start their airline operations. 
 
To start an airline, a company needs permission from the aircraft import committee of the government to bring in aircraft to the country as well as a no-objection certificate. 
 
With a non-scheduled airline permit, companies can operate services between any city in the country without sticking to a timetable. 
 
The only difference between a scheduled and a non-scheduled airline is that the scheduled airline operates between airports governed by the route dispersal guidelines and a pre-approved time-table. The equity norms and other regulatory requirements are same for both the categories. 
 
Not many Indian airlines operate non-schedule operations to international markets. Non-scheduled operators are also permitted to operate revenue charter flights to overseas destinations. 
 
According to the industry estimate, in the domestic aviation market worth about Rs 20, 000 crore a year, non schedule operators have a share of about 10 per cent. 
 
Most of the non-scheduled operators service business customers. They also do brisk business during elections, with political parties hiring airplanes for the campaigning leaders. 
 

Seems to heading for a mess again. First the policy will be to linit the size of aircraft. Then when things get out of hand, leave the field open and have trouble.

Like the policy that first allowed private airlines. First limit fleet size and call them air taxis ... when they start to grow, call them private airlines.

Indidentally, Air Deccan wants to use this route to start flying to the US. This is what Gopi-ji has in mind.