Acquiring 111 planes was collective decision of govt: Vayalar Ravi

Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi tonight said the government's decision to acquire 111 aircraft for Air India, which came in for severe criticism from CAG, was a collective one to strengthen the national carrier.

He said there was no question of taking any hasty decision and the Cabinet, the Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) and other bodies were involved in taking the decision.

"Two committees were also appointed to oversee the negotiations" with the US-based aircraft manufacturer Boeing, Ravi said.

Asked about steps his ministry would take on CAG report on Air India, he said "I have just received the report today and I have to look into it and the ministry is also studying it and only after that we will come to any conclusion or take any steps if necessary."

"Even before the CAG report came, I have started making course correction by appointing a new Chairman and functional directors in Air India board," the minister said.

Regarding the CAG report, he said "it doesn't look that any severe criticism has been made against the ministry but Air India's performance has been questioned."

In a pointer to the NDA government, Ravi said it was in 2002 that the government had decided to acquire more aircraft for Air India with the airline's board approval.

In March 2004, Air India and Indian airlines' combined fleet strength was 93 aircarft. And now even after Air India Express' coming into being, its strength is only 81, he said.