Changi, Zurich evince interest in AAI-run airports

Foreign operators have already shown interest for a tie-up with AAI for providing services

The Airport Authority of India has finally initiated the process to rope in foreign operators like Changi and Zurich for operations and maintenance of Kolkata and Chennai airports, in line with the recommendations of the Planning Commission task force.
                                     
"Whether we like it or not, the reality is that there is demand for very high level of passenger satisfaction. I am sure with our staff we have reached a good level in this regard. But we are also open to the idea of roping in private players for maintenance and operation," V P Agrawal, chairman of AAI told Business Standard, when asked.            

According to Agrawal, foreign operators like Singapore's Changi and Zurich have already shown interest for a tie-up with AAI for providing the services.    

"Things are at a very primary level. We have to work out modalities for such arrangements. If it materializes, we will take the tender route for tie-ups," he said.                                                   

However, the AAI chief pointed out, "The PPP model is a kind of policy AAI is working on, which can be implemented starting with Kolkata and Chennai airports."                         

 A Planning Commission task force under the chairmanship of B K Chaturvedi, in its deliberation on financing plan for airport during the Twelfth Five year plan, had earlier suggested privatisation of the operations and maintenance of government-run airports.                         

While the new terminal at Kolkata airport will be formally inaugurated on January 20, the Chennai airport is expected to be thrown open on January 31, post-modernisation.

In yet another blow, the AAI chief today said that it would start giving away Kingfisher’s slots in various airports to other operators on the basis of demand.

"We are ready to give away Kinfisher's slots. Whenever someone approaches, we will start giving away the slots," VP Agrawal, Chairman of AAI said.

According officials, Kingfisher has about 200 slots in various AAI-run airports. Incidentally, reports indicated that Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) has already given away 6 out of 11 Kingfisher's airport slots to Indigo.