Patel for more carriers to fly abroad

Davos: Civil aviation minister Praful Patel has said the government is seeking to position Indian carriers to fly several more international routes that are not serviced by Indian airlines currently. This would allow Indian carriers compete further with the global carriers. The government will also take the final decision on allowing higher foreign direct investments (FDI) in a slew of activities in the aviation sector.
Patel said Air India was set to open a major hub in Munich. AI had recently joined the Star Alliance of airlines.
In an informal chat with a section of the Indian media on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2008 in Davos, Patel, who is part of the Indian ministerial delegation, said there are a vast number of routes where Indian carriers are not operating, but which are being operated in by foreign airlines flying to and from India.
On freeing up FDI in aviation activities further, Patel said while there was 100% FDI in greenfield airports, his ministry and the commerce ministry were moving quickly to free up FDI in other allied activities.
23/01/08 Sourav Majumdar/Financial Express

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Categories: Foreign Jan 2008, Indian Aviation- In General Jan 2008