Draft aviation policy focus on AAI recast, connectivity & FDI

New Delhi: The Cabinet is scheduled to unveil the new civil aviation policy on Thursday which, among other things, makes out a strong case for restructuring the Airports Authority of India (AAI), improving domestic and international air connectivity and reviewing FDI norms in the sector to encourage investments.
Though the civil aviation ministry has for long thought of giving shape to a proper policy framework to regulate the sector, it is only now that it is being put before the Cabinet.
The NCAP contains a blueprint of the ministry’s roadmap for the sector, enunciated in a document christened Vision 2020. The paper is divided into six sections, each focusing on a separate theme. While the first chapter presents an overview of the current situation and emerging trends, air transport services, measures for enhancing affordability, airport infrastructure, safety regulations and civil aviation security form the thrust areas.
Realising that AAI had failed to live up to the expectations of the consumers by ensuring development of airports with state-of-the-art facilities, the document makes a strong case for revamping the body.
It reiterates the government’s commitment to put in place world-class airport infrastructure by building new airports and modernising/restructuring the existing ones, including revival of non-operational airports. It also exhorts the government to go in for multiple airports in larger metropolitan regions, such as Delhi and Mumbai.
30/05/07 Devesh Kumar/Economic Times

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Categories: Airports May 2007, Foreign May 2007, General Aviation May 2007