From the Editor-in-Chief

Kudos to the present government which is trying to fulfil its promise of enhancing regional and remote air connectivity in India, albeit happening a bit too late. Like they say, better late than never. After the announcement of the National Civil Aviation Policy, the government has come up with a draft Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) which is expected to get the green signal soon. The aviation industry is excited about it, though there could be niggling aspects that would have to be dealt with.

In this issue, we have a comprehensive article by the Vice President of the Business Aircraft Operators Association (BAOA) Col. Sanjay Jhulka (Retd) who makes a case for business aviation to be part of the RCS and has illustrated with examples how they could be part of the scheme. Undoubtedly, the scheme, he states, will have a multiplier or an exponential effect on two fronts – development of small towns and integration of these citizens with those living in metros. And small aircraft, he says, is going to play a crucial role in this and hopes that the policy will include them in the scheme of things. Similarly, the Managing Director of BAOA, Group Captain R.K. Bali (Retd) opines that what the new RCS would need is the demonstrated desire through effective implementation. Yes, implementation is going to be key to the success of the scheme.

With government policies becoming liberal, the original equipment manufacturers are studying the opportunities as explained by the Gulfstream Vice President for Asia-Pacific Jason Akovenko who believes that the scheme will have a positive effect if not in the near term, but subsequently. Accordingly, Gulfstream is working out its strategy as India, along with China, remains ‘consistent markets’ for them.

On the other hand, Air Marshal B.K. Pandey (Retd) discusses the concern of business aviation community, as small aircraft operators continue to face persisting problems with airport operators.

The new policy is going to spur a lot of activity in the coming months and it is believed that ‘air taxis’ may finally hit the skies. In an interview the Chairman of Baron Group, Rajeev Wadhwa, points out that air taxis which are prevalent in mature markets may find their way soon in India, considering that many destinations remain unconnected by air and can be served by small aircraft.

All this and more as BizAvIndia awaits the final RCS after having taken industry inputs.

Happy reading!