NE shops for a new airliine

SHILLONG, JAN 4: Dissatisfied with its service, the North Eastern Council (NEC) is looking to replace Alliance Air by roping in other airline and has floated an Expression of Interest (EOI) for those interested in bidding process for the air operation in the region.

North Eastern Council (NEC) secretary UK Sangma said that the ten years old contract with the Alliance Air that expired in December was not renewed as the airline had earned a bad reputation for its shabby and inefficient services in the region. He said, “   The inefficient service provided by the Alliance Air during the past ten years had given a bad name to airline.”

Sangma, however, told reporters Friday, “However the Alliance Airline can also participate in the EOI.” He said by April1 a new airline operator will hopeful start its operation in north eastern region including Shillong.

The ten year contract with Alliance Air ended in December 2011.  The airline pocket about Rs 350 crore as subsidy for its flights in the NE region in

Sangma, however, informed that this time the subsidy will be lesser compared to one sanctioned to the Alliance Air.

A pre-bid consultation was also held Friday at the NEC.

Sangma informed, “Five private airline operators turned up at the pre-bid consultation held here and they have sought for extension of the deadline of submission of tender.”

Two scheduled operators – Bangalore-based Quickjet and Aizawl-based North East Shuttles – besides three non-scheduled operators – Pawan Hans Pvt Ltd, Bell helicopters and GM Airlines – sought for at least three weeks extension of the bidding process for which the NEC is
likely to be considered.

The routes specified for the subsidized flights are Shillong – Kolkata – Delhi, Tezpur – Gauhati – Delhi and Lilabari – Gauhati –Delhi.

North eastern states chief ministers and governors are not happy with the ten year flight operation of Alliance Air operator. Sangma said, “Chief Ministers and Governors of the region have termed the service of the air operator as  “unsatisfactory” in terms of quality and quantity.- By Our Reporter