Mrs.
Patricia Hewitt, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, UK
met Shri Syed Shahnawaz Hussain, Minister for Civil Aviation here
today. She was accompanied by officials of the Government of UK
and representatives of the British Aviation Industry.
Various issues of
mutual interest were discussed. Both the Ministers were keen on
cooperation and collaboration in the field of civil aviation.
British companies are also interested in providing latest technology
and participating in the current efforts for upgrading aviation
facilities in India. A delegation of British Airports Group (BAG),
which represents a large number of British companies in the civil
aviation sector, would be visiting India in the later part of
January 2003, in this context.
Shri Syed Shahnawaz
Hussain and Mrs. Patricia Hewitt agreed about the need to increase
the flight availability for the direct traffic between India and
UK. They noted the current constraints, which have led to airlines
of other countries carrying passengers between the two countries,
and resolved to provide increased connectivity. Shri Syed Shahnawaz
Hussain said that India would be happy to provide adequate number
of additional frequencies to British national carriers on reciprocal
basis, provided requisite slots are made available at Heathrow
airport for the designated carrier of India. It was agreed that
the two sides will discuss various modalities at the levels of
the Government, airlines and airports to achieve this objective
within a short time.
It was also agreed
that all efforts will be made for further strengthening the cooperation
and business between the civil aviation authorities/industry of
the two countries. Secretary, Civil Aviation Shri K. Roy Paul
and other senior officials were present.
