Easing of 5/20 norms should not hit established carriers:Singh

In an apparent opposition to easing of international flying norms for domestic airlines, SpiceJet chairman Ajay Singh today said the new rules should be framed in a manner that established carriers are not affected.
The comments from Singh, who has come back as majority stakeholder at SpiceJet, come at a time when the government is in the process of doing away with the '5/20' norms for domestic airlines.
Under the norms, only carriers having been in operation for at least five years and with a fleet of at least 20 aircraft are allowed to fly on international routes.
"The government should seriously look at it (5/20 norms) before taking a decision (to modify it). It needs to be ensured that existing (or established) players are not penalised," SpiceJet's chairman and managing director Ajay Singh said.

Speaking at an event to mark SpiceJet's tenth anniversary celebrations, he expressed hopes that the government would address the issues facing the aviation industry, including those related to high costs and tax rates.
"The government's intentions, however, seem to be good (towards the industry)," he added.

Stating that SpiceJet has come back from being shut down last year, Singh said it "is on a highly visible upswing again".
"At SpiceJet, we have always been different; we have always stood for making flying unboring, by bringing back the zing to flying," SpiceJet chairman and managing director Ajay Singh said.
As part of completing ten years, SpiceJet today unveiled its new brand look and slogan - 'SpiceJet is different. It is Red. Hot. Spicy'.

Besides, the airline unveiled its new mobile application.
SpiceJet's chief operating officer Sanjiv Kapoor said with the new mobile application, the airline expects to "witness a meaningful jump in our bookings" and provide customers with increased flexibility and options.