By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 13: Flybig, which was assigned the task of operating a direct flight between Shillong and Delhi, have informed that they are unable to get the Q-400 aircraft on dry and wet lease, while adding that the matter of wet lease has been taken up with the Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA.
The statement came from Flybig as the firm has been unable to operate the flight since long time.
In a statement on Monday, the AVP Planning & Strategy, Big Charter Private Limited (Flybig), Riya Gandhi, said that the Sector Delhi – Shillong – Delhi was awarded at the behest of the Government of Meghalaya, in order to increase the connectivity. “The airline took it as a challenge to fulfill all commitments towards provision of services on this sector. Q-400 aircraft was the only one suitable for the operations to and from Shillong up to the flight to Shillong was discontinued after 11th October due to lack of availability of leasing of aircraft,” Gandhi said.
She said that in the past, lot of efforts was made to procure Q-400 aircraft on dry or wet lease. However, till date they are unable to either get the aircraft on dry or wet lease.
“The matter of wet leasing has been taken up vigorously with Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA. Presently, we are awaiting the necessary approvals of DGCA. We are looking forward to the Government of Meghalaya to help and support us in the same matter,” Gandhi added.
Clarification
Meanwhile, aviation expert Uday Rawat has clarified that recarpeting of the runway and construction of the terminal building at Baljek airport have not been completed yet and flights can operate to and from the airport only after completion of the civil works.