New Delhi : The new Indian full-service airline planned by the Tata group and Singapore Airlines (SIA) has received a "no objection" certificate from India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation, bringing the carrier a step closer to launch.The Ministry of Home Affairs had accorded security clearance to the three board members of the airline — Chairman Prasad Menon and directors Mukund Rajan and MakSwee Wah. The airline will now have to apply to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for an air operator's permit. “We are preparing the documentation and will soon apply to the DGCA for the permit. We have in-house expertise and have not hired any external consultants,” said a Tata SIA spokesperson.
With the ministry nod, few hurdles now remain in the new airline’s path. The Indian government has also agreed in principle to scrap a rule requiring airlines to operate for five years or have a fleet of 20 aircraft before they are allowed to launch international flights. The rule has prevented several carriers from launching more lucrative, international operations.
