Taking wing
The government's done well to scrap Air India's (AI) exclusive privilege over foreign routes. The national carrier's stranglehold on bilateral air traffic rights meant private domestic airlines could operate international flights only after AI had exercised its right of first refusal. The policy coddled the ailing state-owned Maharaja by shielding it against competition on lucrative international routes. As a result, many routes and flying slots remained unutilised. Incredibly, AI could deny private players overseas flights even if it didn't operate them. With its monopoly ending, private airlines will be able to expand their overseas operations.
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