India for 'Open Sky' policy with UK

London: India is keen on having an 'Open Sky' policy with the United Kingdom to keep pace with the burgeoning air travel between the two countries.
"On our side we are keen. We would like to have an Open Sky policy with the UK on the pattern of the one with the USA," Ashok Chawla, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, said during an Interactive Session at the India House in London.
Chawla, who held talks with his counterparts here, said Britain has pointed out their problems in having such a policy with India "because of EU stipulations."
Talks were also on with the EU to overcome the problem, he said.
The Civil Aviation Secretary said in the last three to four years, the number of flights from the UK to India has increased very rapidly - from 27 to 113. At present there are 56 weekly flights from India to the UK and 57 flights from the UK to India.
According to official sources, the Civil Aviation industry in India would require an estimated 6,000 additional certified captains over the next five years.
It has been estimated that in the next five years, 5,000 additional pilots would be required for scheduled operations and 1,000 pilots for non-scheduled and private operations.
Chawla said by 2020, India would spend an estimated $ 110 billion for acquisition of new aircraft and upgrading of facilities.
25/05/08 Press Trust of India/NDTV.com

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