COO's got clearances: GMR
Security agencies are raising objections to GMR-Fraport’s move to appoint a Greek national as the COO of the Delhi airport, as he will be in the know of movements by VVIPs like the Prime Minister and the President.
By TNN |
NEW DELHI: Security agencies are raising objections to GMR-Fraport’s move to appoint a Greek national as the COO of the Delhi airport, as he will be in the know of movements by VVIPs like the Prime Minister and the President.
A GMR official said the COO of DIAL has been posted with appropriate clearances and the authorities concerned are in the know of the appointment. The OMDA (operations, maintenance and development agreement) between the government and the GMR-Fraport consortium allows the private partners to appoint such personnel with government clearance, he added.
The issue is sensitive since the government had prevented Chinese companies from supplying x-ray scanners and aerobridges for airports due to security considerations. Security agencies do not want to take any chances in view of the recent bomb blasts in Mumbai and concerns over terrorism.
Security is a key issue in the aviation sector, and all directors of airline companies need government approval.
Mr Sen’s communication has stressed on the risks associated with opening up sensitive segments of the airports to foreign managers.
The hangars of SPG, RAW and BSF are contiguous (with the civilian airport) and come within the operational area, say the letter. Hangars of the defence establishment are located in the Mumbai airport too, and ONGC conducts operations to Bombay High from this airport, it has been stressed.
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These security concerns could only add to the controversy over the corporatisation of the Delhi and Mumbai airports. A case filed by Reliance Airport Developers, an Anil Ambani group company, against selection of private sector partners, is under consideration of the Supreme Court. Employees of the AAI are also on the warpath against corporatisation of airports.
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