Lok Sabha passes Airport Economic Regulatory Authority bill

The Bill for setting up the Airport Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) was passed by the Lok Sabha on 22-Oct-08.

The prime objective of AERA will be to create a level playing field and foster healthy competition among all major airports (Government owned, Public Private Partnership based, Private) encourage investment in airport facilities regulate tariffs of aeronautical services, protection of reasonable interest of users, operate efficient, economic and viable airports at notified airports.

The Authority shall consist of a Chairperson and 2 persons to be appointed by the Central Government from amongst persons having adequate knowledge and professional expertise in aviation, economic law, commerce or consumer affairs. The member shall be whole time appointees.

Whenever the Authority is deciding a matter involving a civil enclave in a Defence airfield, the Defence Ministry will be represented by an additional member on the Authority who will be nominated by the Ministry of Defence.

The Authority shall determine tariff once in 5 years and may, if it considers appropriate in public interest amend, the tariff from time to time during the 5 years.

The AERA Bill was introduced in Lok Sabha on 05-Sep-07. It was, thereafter, referred for the consideration of the Department Related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism and Culture.

The Standing Committee examined the AERA Bill in consultation with the stakeholders and presented its report to the Parliament on 17- Apr-08. The Committee had made some recommendations most of which were introduced to the Bill.

The Bill will now be introduced in Rajya Sabha.

For more details on AERA functions please read my previous article