New aircraft rule to give lessors greater confidence: Govt

Having a deadline of five working days for giving permission to fly back de-registered aircraft to their respective jurisdictions will help in giving lessors greater confidence and ensure speedy transfer of the plane, the government said today.
Under a new provision under Aircraft Rules, 1937, the lessor upon cancellation of registration of an aircraft can approach the government for permission to export the plane within five working days.
The same has been published in the gazette for pre-publication consultation on October 21, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju told the Lok Sabha.
"The amendment will help in giving greater confidence to lessors by ensuring speedy transfer of de-registered aircraft, help in reducing lease rental and increasing the availability of lessors.

"With the incorporation of IDERA provision in the Aircraft Rule, fresh consent of operator/lessee is not required for de-registration of an aircraft. Owner/lessor can apply for de-registration of an aircraft in accordance with provisions of the above sub-rule," he said in a written reply.
IDERA or Irrevocable De-registration and Export Request Authorisation, refers to request for de-registering as well as taking back of a leased plane.
To a query about whether the government proposes to allow foreign registered aircraft to be used as charter by the airline companies, Raju replied in the negative.
"However, in order to facilitate start up airlines when exploring new routes or during seasonal fluctuations and sudden peaks in demand, operation of foreign registered aircraft by Indian crew has been published as new draft guidelines," he said.