New Delhi, July 22: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has observed some overstatements and understatements by Indian Airlines and the Airports Authority of India for the year 2000-01, the government informed the Rajya Sabha today. "CAG has observed some overstatements and understatements in respect of both Indian Airlines and AAI. This report was received in May 2003. These observations relate to the year 2000-01 and not 2001-02. Replies will be sent to CAG," Minister of State for Civil Aviation Rajiv Prasad Rudy said in a written reply to a question.

He said within 45 days of special domestic fares being in operation by Air India, the number of passengers who travelled on the domestic sector increased by about 15 per cent.

In reply to another question, Rudy said of the four B747-200 aircraft in AI fleet, one is grounded since January and the remaining will be phased out when replacement capacity is made available. The minister said a three-member committee has been constituted to examine the issue of route rationalisation between Air India and Indian Airlines for their common international operations.

Besides, the core group constituted to suggest integrated air space management system has submitted its report.

To Sanjay Nirupam's query on whether Alliance Air's schedule has been disrupted after a number of its aircraft were secured for the Prime Minister and other VIPs, Rudy replied in the negative.


Bureau Report