Air India signs contract with 4 nations to operate 18 flights to repatriate foreigners

dressing a press briefing on Thursday, Air India CMD Rajiv Bansal revealed that national carrier h entered into a contract with 4 countries- Germany, Cana, France, and Ireland. According to this agreement, a total of 18 one-way flights will be operated on a commercial basis to se countries whereby foreign nationals can leave India. flights will come back to country with passengers on board. Currently, all domestic and international flight operations have been suspended till April 14. 

This decision was taken after a few countries requested assistance in repatriating ir citizens from India. Moreover, he mentioned that China h given approval to operate freight flights to Shanghai on April 4 and 5. At this juncture, Union Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri ded that Indians stuck abro will have to wait for end of lockdown.

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Air India CMD also mentioned that complete protection h been provided to ir cockpit crew, cabin crew and ground staff. ditionally, he hailed role of medical team. While ackwledging that some members of ground staff fell ill, he stressed that y h tested negative for vel Coronavirus. 

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DGCA grants special permission

On Wednesday, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granted permission for passenger category aircraft to be used for cargo operations. re has been a demand for transporting essential commodities and medical equipment in wake of nationwide lockdown imposed to combat COVID-19 pandemic. However, this permission is subject to conditions specified by DGCA.

For instance, requisite approval from Flight Standards and Airworthiness directorate must be sought. Dangerous items, such as lithium batteries and oxygen canister will t be allowed on board. Cargo will be permitted only in approved stow locations such as closets and overhe stow bins. Also, cargo should neir interfere with closing and latching of compartment r should it prevent impede an emergency evacuation. 

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