Aviation or air travel has slowly gained ground in India. Earlier, the airfares were so overpriced that air travel in the country saw only the wealthier lot or the business travelers. However, entry of private airlines in the aviation industry has induced a steep decline in the airfares, which has made air travel possible for common people. Recent tax reduction on air fuel and similar concessions has also led to the emergence of aviation as a dominant form of transport in India. Moreover, the thriving economy of the country has resulted in the formation of a vast populace of middle class, thus increasing the demand of air travel.
Indian aviation (international) remains governed by bilateral air services agreements signed between the Government of India and the governments of respective countries from time to time. As far as the airlines of the country are concerned, Air India Limited is the key international carrier and connects it to all the key countries, including USA, Europe, Russia, Middle East, East Asia, Far East and Africa. At present, it owes 26 aircrafts, consisting of six B-747-200, two B747-300, seven B747-400, three A 300-B4 and eight A 310-300 aircraft.
Many other foreign airlines also provide air linking between India and other major places across the globe. Another important air carrier of the country is Indian Airlines, which has now merged with Air India. It flies to 57 domestic airports and 17 international destinations. Other chief domestic airline brands of India include Air Deccan, Jet Airways, Kingfisher Airlines, Air Sahara and IndiGo Airlines. These airlines facilitate air travel throughout India and connect more than 80 cities.
Jet Airways and Sahara Airlines now also cater to international air travel, especially after the liberalization of Indian aviation industry. The advent of private carriers is infact, a major groundbreaking scheme in the aviation industry of the country. This step has put an end to the monopoly and indomitable status that Indian Airlines had earned for many decades and thus, has hugely contributed to the slashing down of domestic airfares.
However, the services of these private operators are restricted within the country. Except a few airlines, they are not allowed to operate outside India, which leaves the monopoly enjoyed by Air India intact. Apart from the various airlines of the country, Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited provides helicopter services to the petroleum sector, state governments and public sector undertakings and also to the northeastern region of the country.
