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France for long term ties with India

. -PHOTOS: Mohd. Yousuf and Satish.H.

For amity: Jerome Bonnafont, Ambassador of France, interacting with exhibitors during the India Aviation 2008 at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad on Wednesday. (Right) Vijay Mallya of Kingfisher and Naresh Goyal of Jet Airways at the show

HYDERABAD: Observing that India would be the main player in the world market in civil aviation in the long term, French Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont, on Wednesday declared that France was looking for a comprehensive relationship with India in all areas of the sector.

Talking to The Hindu after going through the stalls of French aeronautic majors or consortiums with French interests including Airbus, Eurocopter, ATR, Thales and CFM, he said the French civil aviation system was very comprehensive. “We have offers in almost all fields in which Indian civil aviation is developing”. The fact was that the French had received offers for aeroplanes, helicopters, modernisation of airports, equipment of safety and training. Already 200 Airbus planes were in operation in India and 300 more have been ordered. This would give an idea of the number of Franco-European planes flying on international and domestic routes of Indian airlines.

Stating that France and Europe were the main partners of India in civil aviation sector, he pointed that Airbus, ATR and Eurocopter were the leading providers of aircraft and helicopters to Indian companies in their efforts to modernise and expand the fleet. For instance, Thales was an important partner in the field operations for airports, while European engines were equipping planes sold to India. France was also providing training to Indian pilots and engineers.

Observing that it was difficult to predict the outcome of the current economic slowdown, he said the growth of the Indian economy in the long term, required the development of civil aviation sector. Mr. Bonnafont, described the India Aviation-2008 exposition as excellent and well organised.

He said the inauguration function demonstrated the seriousness with which the international aeronautical community was looking at development of India.

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