SHILLONG: The Zoom Air has conveyed its willingness to start Delhi-Umroi flight but commercial viability is still a concern.
The Zoom Air said it is possible to operate CRJ200 directly between Delhi and Shillong Airport during a recent meeting with the Civil Aviation officials.
However, it was divulged that due to load penalty, the operation is not commercially viable unless it is financially supported by the Government.
The matter was taken up by the Division Bench of the High Court of Meghalaya comprising Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice H S Thangkhiew on Tuesday.
The stand of the Zoom Air is that before commencement of operation, Safety Risk Assessment of the Airfield is to be conducted and if any observation would be required to be made, it will have to be addressed by the Airport Authority of India in order to ensure operational and safety consideration.
The court observed that the Zoom Air was required to commit with regard to the absolute willingness to operate CRJ200, only then tenders under Regional Connectivity Scheme – UDAN will be floated.
It was not clear to Zoom Airways as to what is the extent of subsidies available under the Regional Connectivity Scheme-UDAN (Sector Delhi/Hindon-Shillong).
The court hence directed the authorities concerned to make the position clear to Zoom Air preferably within five days’ time.
The matter will come up for hearing on May 3.
