Submit plan, then fly, Ajit Singh tells Kingfisher

The cash-strapped Kingfisher Airlines will have to submit a detailed plan to the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) before resuming operation, Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said on Saturday.

The minister’s statement came a day after the aviation regulator issued a notice to the beleaguered airline questioning why its flying permit should not be suspended or cancelled after it failed to provide safe, efficient and reliable service. The Vijay Mallya-controlled airline, under lockout since Monday, has been given 15 days to file a reply.

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday,  Singh said: “This (suspension or cancellation) has to be decided by the DGCA. It will depend on what reply they give, what plans they have to resume operations and how they will lease aircraft. The employees are on strike and there is a safety concern.”

The bleeding airline has extended the lockout till October 12.
“We will send a response to the DGCA well in time. We will also submit a comprehensive plan for restoration of services after negotiations with our employees,” the airline added.