Civil Aviation Ministry seeks flexibility in RCS to boost intra- regional air connectivity

May 25, 2017: Minister for Civil Aviation Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that airline operators have shown keen interest in undertaking operations under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS) and his ministry would soon be launching the second round of bidding for it. He further said that on the basis of the experience of the first round of bidding his ministry wanted to make the process simpler and attractive.

He also informed that a stakeholders’ consultation meeting is being organized on 7th June, 2017, to discuss the proposed amendments and key aspects of the scheme for the second round of bidding. Following this, the stakeholders will be expected to submit their inputs and observations by 9th June, 2017.

The Secretary for Civil Aviation, RN Choubey highlighted the aspects of the scheme for which suggestions have been invited from stakeholders. It includes decisions like whether fixed wing aircrafts should be allowed to operate below 150 km for specific areas/regions; the exclusivity clause, which is sought to be made more flexible depending upon operators and certain rules; whether seasonal flights should be permitted under RCS; stakeholders’ views to incentivize helicopter operations under RCS etc.