Terming UPA’s aviation policy as “opaque”, the government recently brought in a fresh draft recommending listing of staterun Airports Authority of India (AAI) and chopper firm Pawan Hans on stock exchanges and steps to beef up Air India operations, hinting at its stake sale too. 

   Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju unveiled the draft civil aviation policy which also proposes to enhance regional air connectivity, develop six major metro airports as international hubs, create more airports through PPP mode, rationalise jet fuel cost, promote air cargo, MRO and helicopter operations and improve passenger facilitation.

  The rule that allows an Indian airline to fly abroad only after they have flown domestic for five years and have a 20-aircraft fleet, would also be reviewed, he said. The draft would now be open for wider consultation with all stakeholders, with the Minister saying he hoped to finalise....