Mumbai: Indian Airlines (IA) is ready to operate flights from Delhi to Kabul and from Mumbai to Karachi as and when Pakistani government reopens its airspace, but subject to necessary clearances by the Indian government.

"We are ready to resume two flights a week from Delhi to Kabul and three services a week from Mumbai to Karachi when the airspace is reopened and only after Indian government gives the clearances," IA chairman and managing director Sunil Arora told reporters on May 14.

Arora said though IA had the rights to operate to Kabul, it was not economically viable to do so as it involved flying to the Afghanistani capital via Iran.

He said the airline was on a cost cutting exercise and likely to post lower losses in 2002-03 by nearly Rs 100 crore and the endeavour this fiscal would be to reduce it further.

Arora said IA was looking at converting one of its Airbus A300 into a freighter aircraft. "We are presently studying the comparative costs and if feasible intend to start cargo services," he said, adding that presently IA carried about 300-350 tonnes of cargo daily.

On fleet acquisition plans, Arora said the pre-public investment board was yet to decide on a fresh date after a meeting held last month. IA board had cleared a proposal to buy 43 Airbus aircraft in March last year.

"Taking any further aircraft on lease will be decided only after this meeting," he added. IA has presently taken eight A320s on lease following the slow phasing out of its A300s.

PTI