The Hindu : International / India & World : New aviation tie-ups with Singapore, China `possible'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 28, 2005

International

International - India & World

New aviation tie-ups with Singapore, China `possible'

By P.S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE, JAN. 27. A "new bilateral air services agreement" between India and Singapore will be "negotiated", and technical-level talks are under way to explore the scope for enhancing air links between India and China.

The Civil Aviation Secretary, Ajay Prasad, said on Tuesday that talks would be held for an India-Hong Kong air services agreement as well.

Mr. Prasad, who was here for discussions with Singapore officials and to deliver a keynote address at an Asia Pacific conference, said a "comprehensive policy" for the Indian civil aviation sector was now "in the final stages of preparation".

Responding to questions, he said, "We are not planning to buy A-380 [super-jumbo] for the time being". Instead, Air India was likely to buy "extra-long-range aircraft." At the other end of the spectrum, Air India Express, designed to provide budget travel, would begin services to the Gulf region by the end of March and South East Asia, including Singapore, thereafter.

Joint ventures

After talks with his Singapore counterpart, Peter Ong, Mr. Prasad said: "We are also looking at possible joint ventures with Singapore institutions in terms of maintenance and repair outfits." A collaborative arrangement for ground handling and training, among other possibilities, was being considered.

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