SHAHNAWAZ HUSSAIN HOLDS TALKS
WITH HIS CANADIAN COUNTERPART ON BILATERAL COOPERATION IN CIVIL
AVIATION
The Civil Aviation Minister Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain had a
bilateral meeting with the Canadian Minister of Transport Mr.
David M. Collenette in Ottawa, Canada and held wide-ranging discussions
on civil aviation issues of mutual interest, in a very cordial
atmosphere. Mrs. Shashi Tripathi, High Commissioner of India in
Canada and Indian and Canadian officials were present.
The talks centered on possible areas of cooperation between the
two countries. The two Ministers noted the need for fail-safe
civil aviation security systems in view of increased threats,
and the strong security apparatus in place in the two countries
to ensure this. The multi-lateral cooperation through the International
Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) was appreciated, and bilateral
exchange of information was also agreed upon.
Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, mentioned that India’s largest helicopter
company, the Pawn Hans Helicopters Ltd. had already signed a Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) with the Canadian Company CHC Helicopter
International Incorporated (CHII), and that he also had a meeting
with CHII in Vancouver on 16th September 2002. The
Canadian Minister agreed that this was a good beginning for a
strong cooperation programme on helicopter safety and operation.
Shri Hussain said that while the airlines industry had faced
major problems all over the world and losses during 2001-02, Air
India made profits after seven years. He also mentioned Air India’s
plans for expanding its operations, including 3 flights from Mumbai/Delhi
to Frankfurt beginning 8th December 2002. Air India
is looking at the possibility of suitable arrangements with Air
Canada, for providing convenient connectivity between Canada and
India for mutual gain, using the new flight. The Canadian Minister
felt that this was a positive development, and the two airlines
should discuss these issues within the framework of the Bilateral
Air Service Agreement.
The Indian programme for restructuring of major airports to upgrade
them to the highest international standards, with private sector
investment and management, and the Canadian experience of private
sector involvement in infrastructure development were also discussed.
Useful information was exchanged, and the innovative structure
and operations of NAVCANADA, which provides Air Traffic Services
in Canada, were appreciated.
Both Ministers agreed that the two sides would take appropriate
follow-up action for building on the issues covered during the
meeting, and develop programmes towards mutual benefit.
Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, is leading a delegation to Canada,
which includes officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Air
India and Airports Authority of India. The delegation had a number
of useful meetings, including the one with Vancouver Airport Services
and CHII in Vancouver, and NAVCANADA and a number of other organizations
in Ottawa.
