Kingfisher’s licence at stake

Grounded carrier, Kingfisher, could face losing its licence to fly if management are unable to turn over its operations suspension before the end of this year.

The airline’s operations were shut down on 20 October this year by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) after failing to give a revival plan for its suffering financial situation.

Now, with the carrier’s flying licence due to expire on 31 December, the airline could be facing permanent grounding because the local law requires the airline to have its suspension revoked before renewal, The Times of India reported.

Worse even, if the airline is unable to revalidate the licence, it will have to go through the process of reobtaining one, which would require the airline to start from scratch in order to fly again.

"An airline operating permit (AOP, read licence) that is suspended cannot be renewed,” DGCA former chief Kanu Gohain said.

“A suspended licence must first be revived and only then can it be extended."

Sopurced: etravelblackboardasia

The airline’s chief Vijay Mallya told media the airline has to prepare a plan otherwise face three options; remain grounded for a long time, shutting down or restarting operations, possible under a new name.