Jet issue: Talks on over US firm's protest

Inter-ministerial consultations were continuing on certain queries sought by the US authorities from India regarding allegations made against Jet Airways by an American firm by the same name, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

"After the American company of the same name raised some objections with the US authorities, they wanted our reaction and sent some queries. Inter-ministerial consultations are on.

"We will inform the US government through the external affairs ministry as soon as we are ready," Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said during question hour. He was replying to a question as to whether the US administration had so far not given security clearance to the private Indian carrier following allegations made against it about underworld links.

Patel said the Directorate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had strict guidelines, in tune with the globally-accepted norms of the international civil aviation organisation.

"Till we are fully satisfied that they follow these guidelines, no airline is allowed to operate," he said.

Along with Jet Airways, Air Sahara and Indian Airlines had also been permitted to fly to the US and European destinations, Patel said, adding that the government accorded priority to the public sector carriers to fly abroad.

The minister said the policy adopted to allow private carriers to fly globally entailed that these airlines had five years experience in domestic operations and a fleet of at least 20 aircraft.