Open Sky Policy with ASEAN by 2012 only, says Patel

New Delhi: Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel today said an Open Sky policy with ASEAN appears unrealistic by the year 2010 and his ministry feels such an agreement can only materialise by 2012, provided the interests of Indian carriers are safeguarded.
Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting with European Union officials in the run up to a two-day EU-India Aviation Summit, Patel said the Government has not said no to the proposal, but “many issues need to be calibrated” before arriving at a decision. “Grant of Fifth Freedom rights is one of the issues that needs to be resolved. Also, we feel our airport infrastructure will be able to handle the effects of such an arrangement only by 2012,” Patel said. ASEAN has requested India to join the Open Sky regime to be launched amongst ASEAN nations by 2010.
22/11/06 Indian Express

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