Cabinet clears IA aircraft acquisition plan

 The cabinet committee on economic affairs(CCEA) today gave its nod for the purchase of aircraft from Europe's Airbus Industries. The order includes ninteen A-319s, four A-320s and twenty A-321 planes.
 
As per the tentative delivery plan, the first aircraft will join the fleet in the second half of next year whereas the remaining 42 would be inducted at an average rate of one plane per month.

 Several concessions and advantages have also been incorported with the deal including the establishment of an ultra-modern training centre for pilots to fly the Airbus family of aircraft at a cost of around $75 million.

 Airbus has also agreed to set up a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at a cost of $100 million and a counter-trade offer worth $145 million.

 Airbus has also assured the government, in writing, that it would establish spare part warehouses in India not only for IA but for other carriers as well.