In an effort to increase participation in the Indian government's Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), the Indian Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has unveiled a new category of commercial operator aimed specifically at the commuter carrier niche.
“In order to promote/enhance regional connectivity, the concept of Scheduled Commuter Air Transport Services has been introduced,” the aviation regulator said in a proposal issued last week.
The Commuter sector will be broken down into two categories: Scheduled Commuter Operator (Small) for operators whose aircraft do not exceed a gross-weight of 5,700kg and Scheduled Commuter Operator (Large) for those whose aircraft's gross-weights are more than 5,700 kg and up to 40,000 kg. In the event a mixed fleet is operated, the requirements for a Scheduled Commuter Operator (Large) shall have to be complied with.
In terms of capitalization, Scheduled Commuter Operators (Small) with up to three aircraft will need to have a paid-up capital of at least INR50 million (USD740,000) which increases to a maximum of INR150 million (USD2.2 million) for each additional aircraft added to its AOC.
Scheduled Commuter Operators (Large) with a fleet of up to three aircraft will require a minimum paid-up balance of INR30 million (USD444,000). This increases to a maximum of INR250 million (USD3.7 million) for additional aircraft added.
In terms of applicable route networks, Scheduled Commuter Operators will be able to operate commercial flights between two or more local destinations except Category I cities which include Mumbai International, Kolkata, Delhi International, Bengaluru International, Hyderabad International, Thiruvananthapuram, and Chennai.
