2 min readNew DelhiOct 18, 2012 01:54 PM IST
First published on: Oct 18, 2012 at 01:54 PM IST
Collaboration between New Zealand and India in the aviation sector is set to grow following the signing of an arrangement to support increased training and technical cooperation between the two countries in civil aviation.
The signing was witnessed by Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh and Steven Joyce,New Zealand government minister for Economic Development here.
A booming local civil aviation sector is providing significant opportunities for collaboration,with India predicted to jump from the ninth largest civil aviation market to the third by 2020. Domestic traffic is predicted to grow from 46 million to 90 million with international traffic soaring from 34 million to 90 million in the same period.
Joyce was accompanied on his visit by a delegation of nine New Zealand aviation companies. It is the fourth such visit by New Zealand in this sector in 18 months.
As a world-leader in innovative aviation technology,New Zealand is already working in India in infrastructure development,pilot training,and engine maintenance and repair. Recent projects by New Zealand companies have included the provision of products and services to airports in Delhi,Mumbai and Hyderabad.
“This aviation arrangement demonstrates the strengthening business relationship between New Zealand and India,” said Joyce.
“Already,New Zealand aviation companies are making their mark in India with a range of successful projects. This arrangement will see India and New Zealand commit to further exploring exciting opportunities for co-operation in the aviation sector,” he added.
New Zealand has one of the highest numbers of aircraft per capita in the world,and the highest number of helicopters per capita. Aviation products and services developed in New Zealand are already being used in 80 countries.
It is also known for its expertise in high-quality pilot training,due to its large airspace,varied terrain and exceptional safety record. In the past five years more than 90 Indian pilots per year have converted their licences through DGCA and are flying with Indian airlines and the Indian Coast Guard.
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