Tuesday, August 23 2005 16:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Indian Airlines is exploring the possibility of joining a global airline alliance in the long term, the Rajya Sabha was informed today (Aug 23, 2005).

The Airlines has held preliminary discussions with one of the global airline alliance in this context, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said in a written reply.

• Airports: Airports Authority of India has tentatively selected 25 non-Metro airports for modernisation and development to world-class standards, he said.
  
  Based on the inputs from financial consultants and Global Technical Advisor and depending on the need, the projects are to be financed through a variety of financial instruments which would inter-alias include retained earnings and debt, the Minister said.
  
  
• Exodus: In recent years, there has been no significant exodus of pilots from Indian Airlines. However, Alliance Air is facing shortage of pilots, Patel said.
  
  Director General of Civil Aviation is examining the action, which can be taken against crew who abruptly leave without adequate notice, he said.
  
  The Minister said Indian Airlines is making all efforts to get Dornier Pilots from Indian Air Force, Indian Navy and Coast Guard on deputation.
  
  
• Theft: During the last one year, 25 cases of theft and stolen property were reported at Indira Gandhi International airport in Delhi while two cases of theft were registered in the cargo terminal, he said.
  
  
  PTI