Airlines can import 18-year-old planes

New Delhi, June 26

Domestic airlines can now import aircraft that are up to 18 years old into the country with the government amending the more than two-decade rules in this regard.

The move is expected to provide a fillip for the government’s ambitious efforts to boost regional air connectivity as it gives more leeway for operators in expanding their fleet. Till now, aircraft that are more than 15 years old were not allowed to be imported.

With the revised norms, pressurised aircraft that are not over 18 years old or those which have not completed 50 per cent of design economic pressurisation cycle can be imported. A pressurised aircraft is one which is equipped to handle cabin pressure at an altitude of above 10,000 feet. — PTI