India, Malaysia To Review 1967 Air Service Pact

New Delhi: In the wake of rising demand in the civil aviation sector, India and Malaysia have agreed to review their air service agreement signed in 1967 to ensure airline operators from both sides enjoy better traffic rights.
"Both sides have agreed to discuss and consult their respective agencies to update the agreement. ..," Transport Ministry under-secretary P. Chandrasekaran, who led the Malaysian delegation told Bernama after concluding the air services negotiations at the Indian capital here.
During the talks with the Indian Civil Aviation officials, Malaysia asked India for more traffic rights for Malaysian carriers to fly to bustling Indian cities.
Besides Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flying to various destinations, low-cost carrier, AirAsia, is to launch its inaugural flight to Tiruchi next month.
Based on last year's air service pact, Malaysia was allotted 20,400 seats under Part A of the agreement, which allows Malaysian carriers to fly to six metropolitan cities -- Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai.
MAS is using 10,000 seats under Part A and it is up to the government to re-allocate the balance of the seats. Under Part B, Malaysia enjoys the right to fly to 18 Indian airports.
13/11/08 P Vijian/Bernama, Malaysia

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