Tuesday, August 16 2005 17:45 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Indian Airlines proposes to commence its own retail courier and freight services to tap the huge domestic courier/cargo business, the Rajya Sabha was informed today (August 16, 2005).

For this purpose, Indian Airlines proposes to convert five Boeing 727 aircraft, initially, into freight aircraft, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Praful Patel said in a written reply.

Both Indian Airlines and Air India have been advised to go ahead with the tendering process for appointment of IPO Advisors, the Minister said.

However, the actual appointment will be done only after an 'in principle' approval of the Government is given, he said.

The Law Ministry is at present vetting the documents relating to financial transactions that are to be handed to eight parties shortlisted for restructuring of airports in Delhi and Mumbai ahead of a crucial meeting of empowered Group of Ministers, he said.

Air India, including Air India Express, has a shortage of 118 pilots wheras Alliance Air, a subsidiary of Indian Airlines has a shortage of 40 pilots, he said.

Of the 63 pilots who sought a 'No Objection Certificate'to join other airlines, 59 pilots have withdrawn their requests while the remaining four also are continuing in service and are performing their duties regularly, he said.

The Karnataka Government has sent a proposal to Airports Authority of India to develop the existing airstrips at Mysore and Belgaum and construct new airports at Gulbarga, Hassan and Hampi, Patel said.