New civil aviation policy by April : Raju

17 March, Hyderabad

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Wednesday expressed hope that the new civil aviation policy will be announced in April.

”The draft policy, which is already in the public domain for suggestions, and it is in the advanced stage of approval, will be announced by early next year,” Raju said in a press conference at the ‘India Aviation 2016’ show which was inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee here Wednesday.

The policy is under finalisation and will be taken to the Cabinet for approval before being announced. ”Regional connectivity is the commitment of the government,” he said, adding that every year will review 50 air ports in the country to facilitate regional connectivity.

Referring to Air India, the Minister claimed that Air India is not going through operational loss and is expected to get into profits by 2019. Civil Aviation Secretary R N Choubey said the showcases and participation in 5th edition aviation show has increased to about 30 per cent against previous edition.