Ajit Singh, the Minister of Civil Aviation informed Lok Sabha today in a written reply that Air India offers 50% discount on basic fare component of full normal economy class fare to Senior Citizens who have attained the age of 63 years and above on the date of commencement of travel and 50% discount on basic fare component of full normal economy class fare to students upto 26 years of age, applicable for travel between home town and place of study only.
The Minister further informed that Air India also offers concessions to other categories on domestic sectors to Senior Citizens, Students, Blind passengers, Cancer patient, Armed Forces, Armed Forces Bravery Awardees, Locomotor Disability, General Reserve Engineering Force, Sport Personnel –North East, Water Disabled Officers, Arjuna Awardees, War Widows, Para Military Force, Police Medal for Gallantry, Civilian Gallantry Awards and Youth passenger. Besides this, Air India also offers 100% discount on total fare to Bharat Ratna Awardees, Golden Tributes Card Holders (living members of Constituent Assembly of India) and Ex-Andaman Freedom Fighters or to Widows of Ex-Andaman Freedom Fighters.
Air India estimates that approximately 811 persons travelled during the period January to March 2012 which accounts for about 0.036% of its total carriage. It is not possible to estimate a loss as the carriage on account of these discounts would possibly be incremental and not termed as a loss, the Minister informed the Members.
Complimentary Passes by Air India and Private Airlines
Ajit Singh, the Minister of Civil Aviation informed Lok Sabha today in a written reply that complimentary tickets are normally issued by the airlines in their commercial interests, to tour promoters, travel writers, media personnel, important commercial contacts and promotional schemes/events etc to encourage and promote travel on the national carriers. This is practice adopted by all airlines worldwide in line with corporate policy and on the basis of anticipated advantage and benefit to airline. These passages do not have revenue implications and airlines do not incur losses as these tickets holders are generally accommodated only after accommodating the revenue paying passengers.
During the last three years viz. 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12, Air India has issued 258, 449 and 93 complimentary tickets, the reply informed.
