NEW DELHI, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Indian government said on Monday that the country's aviation regulator has granted in-principle approval to Air India and Interglobe Aviation, operator of Indigo, to import aircraft.
The statement was made by junior minister of civil aviation V.K. Singh in the upper house of the Indian parliament, locally called Rajya Sabha.
The two airlines have been given in-principle approval for the import of 470 and 500 planes respectively.
The minister said the cost of acquiring these aircraft, which is a commercial transaction between the airline and the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), was not available with it.
"Availability of parking slots is ensured at the time of grant of NOC (No Objection Certificate) for actual import of aircraft. As per the induction plan of the airlines, the aircraft are proposed to be imported during the period 2023-2035," Singh said.
According to Air India's plan, it is seeking to import a total of 210 A320 Neo, 140 B737, 40 A350, 10 B777-9, 20 B787-9, and 50 B737-8 aircraft.
Indigo is planning to import 500 A320 Neo planes.
