Patel asks AAI to try to enter global market

New Delhi: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) should compete with other airport developers to bag global contracts by using its expertise, civil aviation minister Praful Patel said.
"Change your mindset, without which we are not going to transform into the future. Look for every single opportunity. Bid for airports outside the country. If you have expertise, utilise it and leave a footprint," he said here.
He was speaking at a function to mark the launch of the final operational phase of GAGAN, a satellite-based navigation system to aid air traffic from Southeast Asia to Africa, including over the high seas.
Patel's statement came against the backdrop of Indian infrastructure firm GMR bagging deals to develop the Male airport in Maldives, after completing the new terminal at Istanbul airport.
The Minister asked AAI not to see itself as "a mere authority" or a government body but as a professional company.
Referring to the Rs 774 crore project GAGAN (GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation system), Patel asked AAI to maximise its investment and market the capability to other countries around India as the system would become "a milestone".
10/08/10 PTI/Times of India

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Categories: airports aug 2010, Foreign Aug 2010