New Delhi
November 13, 2006
(Press Information Bureau)

A Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) of USA and the Ministry of Civil Aviation was signed today in the presence of Shri Praful Patel Minister for Civil Aviation. The proposal to conclude the Agreement was under the consideration of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

The Union Cabinet had approved the signing of this Agreement on 3rd May 2006. The agreement provides for assistance by the FAA to the Civil Aviation sector in India in developing and modernizing the civil aviation infrastructure in the managerial, operational and technical areas. All assistance under this agreement will be on the basis of reimbursement of costs. Similar Agreements have been signed by the USA with more than 100 countries.

The assistance essentially includes the following areas:-

· Providing technical and managerial expertise in developing, improving and operation of civil aviation infrastructure, standards, procedures, policies, training and equipment.

· Providing training for civil aviation personnel.

· Inspection and calibration of our civil aviation equipment and air navigation facility.

· Providing resources, logistical support and equipment for air navigation facilities.

· Assistance in airport certification in India.

· Assistance in the field of Helicopter Operational Safety initiative.

The Memorandum of Agreement is an Umbrella Agreement and would have many Agreements as and when signed with different agencies like Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. etc. as its annexes. The agreement is in the nature of a framework agreement, which would create enabling provisions for seeking specific assistances from FAA. Therefore, this agreement is an essential requirement for seeking/receiving assistance from FAA.

The MOA was signed by Shri R.K. Singh, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, from the Indian side. From the American side it was signed by Ms. Marion Blakey, FAA Administrator.