Government allows private jets, charter flights on domestic routes
by Saurabh Sinha(Representative image)
NEW DELHI: The ultra rich can once again jet around the country in their luxury private or charter aircraft. The aviation ministry from Monday allowed domestic air travel “by non-scheduled and private (general aviation) operators (fixed wing / helicopters/ microlight aircraft.”
The ministry issued guidelines for non-schedule operator permit (NSOP or charter) and private jet operations, specifying that no meals will be served on board except those who require on medical grounds; passengers must wear face masks and crew be in full protective suit.
Airfares set for schedule airlines will not apply to charter operators. Passengers should report at airport or heliport at least 45 minutes before departure time and give an undertaking about their health status that they have not been detected Covid positive in last two months, among other things.
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Passengers will need to be thermal scanned at airport. “The status of 'Aarogya Setu' should be displayed to the staff. In case of non-availability of Aarogya Setu, the passenger should be facilitated to go to a counter provided by the airport where the app can be downloaded. Children below fourteen years of age would be exempt from this requirement,” the order issued by aviation ministry joint secretary Usha Padhee on Monday says.
“Vulnerable persons, such as very elderly, pregnant ladies, passengers with health issues are advised to avoid air travel. However, this will not apply to air ambulance services … No physical check-in at airport counters would be done. Only those passengers with confirmed web check-in shall be allowed to enter the airport. ‘Passenger manifest’ sent electronically to each passenger may be treated as ‘boarding pass’,” says the order.
“Airlines shall furnish the passengers manifest of each flight in the prescribed format to state / UT governments. Accordingly, (operators) may create a web portal/digital platform to provide information seamlessly to the state/UTs,” it adds.