India, US to sign umbrella accord on civil aviation

New Delhi, May 3: The Cabinet today gave its approval for signing an ''umbrella'' memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the United States that will help India develop and modernise the civil aviation infrastructure in managerial, operation and technical areas with the assistance of the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA).

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, an official spokesperson told reporters.

Among the areas of assistance that would be covered under the MOA are standards, procedures, policies, training, equipment and inspection and caliberation of equipment and air navigation facility.

FAA is also expected to provide resources, logistical support and equipment for air navigation facilities and assistance in airport certification in India and in the field of helicopter, operation and safety initiative.

UNI