A ticket for all modes of transport in EU

New Delhi: In a move that could create new business opportunities for Indian carriers flying abroad, the Centre has asked European Union to allow airlines to offer multi-modal transport facilities to passengers. If allowed, airlines in India would be able to tie up with rail or bus operators in Europe, get bulk tickets and offer better prices to the passengers. So, for passengers, different modes of transport would be covered by one ticket issued by the airline. In return, European airlines would also get this facility on Indian Railways.
This was one of the three suggestions that an Indian delegation led by aviation minister Praful Patel made to the European Commission at Brussels recently in response to the latter's longtime request for scrapping bilateral agreements with 24 countries of EU states in favour of an umbrella pact.
If India goes in for an umbrella pact with EU, it would allow a European carrier to fly to India from anywhere in the continent. "India has asked for allowing its airlines to give combined tickets for different modes of transport like train and buses in Europe. Our airlines can tie up with local operators, get bulk tickets at competitive rates; pass on the advantage to passengers," said a source.
01/10/07 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India

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Categories: Foreign Nov 2007, New Nov 2007