Rudy shoots down open sky policy

HYDERABAD: Virtually turning down Chandrababu Naidu''s plea, Union civil aviation minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy has asserted that the open sky policy was not feasible.
"This is not possible due to various reasons including financial loss, commercial interests and aviation policies of foreign countries. But, efforts are being made to create hubs for trans-Atlantic flights within the country", he said.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Rudy said the Centre has constituted Naresh Chandra Committee which would look into all aspects of civil aviation including taxation, fuel prices, level playing field etc.
The committee is likely to submit its report by October this year and would be placed before the Cabinet for approval.
The Union minister favoured creation of better infrastructure to conform with global standards.
"India with the massive aviation infrastructure cannot lag behind with any developed country and there is an imperative need to upgrade its infrastructure and facilities," he added.
When asked about his talks with Naidu, Rudy appreciated the AP chief minister''s demand for an open sky policy to achieve all round development of the state''s economy, but open sky policy was not feasible.