MALAYSIA INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN THE LEASING OF AIRPORTS
Malaysia is interested in participating in the
leasing of airports in India. This was conveyed by the visiting
Malaysian Transport Minister Dr. Ling Liong Sik when he called
on the Civil Aviation Minister Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain here
today. He said, a Malaysian company is interested in the Chennai
airport The visiting delegation shall be going to Chennai tomorrow
to see the infrastructure there. Dr. Ling pointed out that the
Malaysian national carrier, Malaysian Airlines Systems (MAS),
is currently having seven flights from India. He said, the inflow
of tourists from India has increased from 45,000 in 2000 to 1,45,000
in 2001. In view of this MAS would like to increase the frequency.
The Civil Aviation Minister Shri Syed Shahnawaz
Hussain pointed out that road shows have been held in New Delhi
and Europe on leasing the airports and the government has also
appointed a global advisor. He said, the government is in the
process of finalising the terms and conditions. The Minister pointed
out that North-East remains a focus area and Guwahati has been
linked to Bangkok by direct air service, there by opening the
route to further east. Civil Aviation Secretary Shri K. Roy Paul,
the chairman of the Airports Authority of India Shri S.K.Narula
and senior officers of the Ministry were present during the discussion.
