Civilian aircraft to be allowed into defence airspace soon

New Delhi: Civilian aircraft will soon be able to venture into the restricted defence airspace, resulting in huge fuel savings by bringing down flying time for airlines. Also, flexible access would ensure that the country does not lose out to its neighbour, China, when it comes to international airlines using Indian airspace for overflying purposes.
In a high level meeting of all stakeholders, chaired by civil aviation minister Praful Patel on Monday, the two sides — civil aviation and defence authorities – have shown willingness to adapt to flexible usage of airspace to facilitate civilian aircraft movement in restricted air space manned by the defence. The ministry has appointed a sub committee to work out modalities and recommend steps to evolve a central control command structure, revealed senior civil aviation ministry officials.
The committee has been asked to recommend information sharing procedures, training of those manning Air Traffic Control (ATC) in defence rules and vice versa and establishment of a central control command.
23/09/10 Smita Aggarwal/Indian Express

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Categories: airports Sep 2010, New Sep 2010