France to discuss Airbus 380 issue with India

NEW DELHI: With India opposing entry of the world's largest aircraft Airbus 380 into the country, French Transport Minister Thierry Mariani is likely to take up the issue with Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh.

The French Minister, who is on a three-day visit to India, said out of 50 airports across the world, only airports in Delhi and Mumbai have denied permission to land the aircraft.

Inspite of demands from Lufthansa, Emirates and Singapore Airlines, government has not been allowing any foreign airline from bringing in the 'super jumbo' passenger aircraft as it would give tough competition to Indian carriers on major international routes.

No Indian airline has acquired the A-380s, though cash- strapped Kingfisher has placed orders for five of these aircraft. Headquartered in Toulouse, France, Airbus is owned by EADS.

Apart from it, Mariani is also to take up the matter of European Union - Emission Trading Scheme (EU-ETS), as India is leading the non-EU countries on this matter. The visiting minister today met Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi.

"One fourth of our discussion was on safety issue while rest was on cooperation in other areas like hi-speed trains, in which France has expertise and since 1981, when the first hi-speed train started no accident or life have been lost," Mariani said.

"I understand the hi-speed trains is a medium and long term project in India and not a short term. At present French companies are working on three projects which include feasibility study of Pune-Mumbai-Ahmedabad train route," he told reporters here.