US sees India as regional aviation hub
03 Mar 2010
US businessmen could enhance cooperation between the two countries in the Indian aviation sector through pubic and private partnership, American ambassador to India Timothy J Roemer said today.
Speaking after the inauguration of the US Pavilion at the 'India Aviation-2010', a five-day exhibition and conference on the global aviation sector which began in Hyderabad today, Roemer asked the US business community to seize the opportunity by participating in modernisation of the sector.
"The USA would work with Indian public and private sector partners to create economic opportunities and jobs in both the countries. US companies participating in the show are ready to partner India for its goal of modernising and upgrading airports, improving air traffic flow and making it a regional aviation hub," he said.
''I would encourage American and Indian business leaders and policy makers to take this opportunity to share ideas on how our countries can work together better,'' Roemer said.
Union civil aviation minister Praful Patel said India needs at least 400 airports and 3,000 aircraft in the next 10 years to keep pace with the growing demand.
The aviation industry has been growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18 per cent, he noted.
The ambassador also paid homages to the Indian pilots who were killed in the crash during the opening ceremony (See: Two pilots killed during Indian Aviation 2010 show opening)
"What began as such a promising day has sadly ended so tragically. As the full extent of this tragedy is still becoming known, all of our thoughts and prayers are with those who lost their lives or were injured, and with their families. These heartbreaking losses have even more piercing impact when you are part of the event," Roemer said in a statement issued by the US embassy.
