Airline firms to fall in line?
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With the Airports Authority of India (AAI) gearing up to start the mock trial run in two weeks at the new domestic terminal, the officials expect the airline companies to compromise and move into the new building.
“Airline operators know that it is not immediately possible to have an in-line baggage system at the new domestic terminal and they have agreed to it,” airport director E.P. Hareendranathan told Deccan Chronicle after a meeting with representatives of airline companies on Monday.
He said the AAI is making all efforts to get the aerobridges in place soon. “The tender has already been issued and the seven new aerobridges for the domestic terminal should reach the city by May-end,” he added.
The airport director said the internal evaluation at the new domestic terminal would start by April 15 and trials with actual aircraft arrival and departure are expected to begin by April-end.
“We expect the airline companies to take over their respective places at the new building soon,” said Mr Hareendranathan, adding that the testing of electromagnetic facilities was in progress.
Five domestic operators, Air India, Jet Airways, Kingfisher, SpiceJet and Indigo, were protesting the lack of modern facilities at the new terminal, as AAI was planning to open the new
building without in-line baggage system and new aerobridges.
However, airline company sources said it was difficult to imagine moving into brand new premises without latest facilities.
“No terminal in the world has been opened in recent times without these basic operational requirements,” said a senior airline official, adding that the operators expect AAI authorities to get the facilities in place soon.
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