India, US sign pact to modernise aviation systems

New Delhi, Nov 13 (UNI) The United States today signed an agreement to develop and modernise India's aviation infrastructure.

Experts from both countries will work together on issues ranging from air traffic control training and procedures to aviation safety standards and regulations.

The memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed between the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the ministry of civil aviation in the presence of Minister Praful Patel. The union cabinet had approved the signing of this agreement on May 3.

The pact signed by FAA administrator Marion Blakey and civil aviation joint secretary R K Singh provides for assistance by the FAA in developing and modernising the Indian civil aviation infrastructure in managerial, operational and technical areas.

All assistance under the agreement will be on the basis of reimbursement of costs. Similar agreements have been signed by the United States with more than 100 countries.

''India is an important player in our efforts to create a seamless navigation system,'' said Ms Blakey. ''I am pleased that we can help them develop their aviation infrastructure to support the growing needs of both India and the international community.'' Added Mr Patel: ''I am sure the experience which the FAA has will be very valuable for India.'' The country is the third fastest growing domestic aviation market in the world and is projected to grow 20 per cent a year till 2009.

International passenger traffic is projected to grow by 10 per cent through 2010.

Since 2000, the FAA has assisted India on global navigation satellite systems research and development, and supported the country's Geostationary Augmentation and Navigation (GAGAN) project.

Support for the certification of GAGAN for use in India's airspace including the lessons learned by the FAA in certification of the wide area augmentation system could be the first step under the pact signed today.

UNI SU DKS VC1805