Patel to address World Air Transport Summit in Paris on June 5

New Delhi, May 31: Civil aviation minister Praful Patel will deliver keynote address at the World Air Transport Summit (WATS) being held in Paris next week.

The meet from June 4 to 6 will gather chief executives of major global airlines including Air India's chairman and managing director Vasudevan Thulasidas, aircraft manufacturers, leasing companies and financial experts who will debate key issues facing the air transport industry.

It coincides with 62nd annual general meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), an apex body of 265 airlines comprising 94 per cent of scheduled air traffic.

''The tremendous surge in aircraft orders is an encouraging indicator for the future of our industry,'' said IATA's director general and CEO Giovanni Bisignani in a statement.

''It certainly reflects the optimism that characterises key markets such as India, China and elsewhere.'' But whatever the region, said Mr Bisignani, the keys to future success remain straightforward: relentless focus on greater efficiency to achieve needed profitability and ever-improving safety performance.

''The industry has done a great job in both areas but more needs to be done. Driving down costs has become a tougher challenge as global oil prices continue to push the profitability bar higher.'' In March, IATA had forecast an industry loss of 2.2 billion dollars for 2006 based on an oil price of 57 dollars per barrel. A revised forecast will be issued on June 5 at the event.

UNI