India, US to share aviation expertise

NEW DELHI: The government has signed a memorandum of agreement with the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA), which will include sharing technical and managerial expertise in developing civil aviation infrastructure and devising standards and procedures, for the domestic aviation industry.

It would also help in the inspection and calibration of aviation equipment and air navigation facilities, and in the certification of Indian airports. FAA will further assist India in developing a modern air traffic control system. The agreement was signed between FAA administrator Marion Blakey and joint secretary of the civil aviation ministry, R K Singh.

The agreement, however, does not cover airport security. “The MoA will primarily address safety and work towards expansion of capacity at Indian airports. It is not a security agreement,” Ms Blakey said.