American carriers likely to resume flights soon

American Airlines and United Airlines, are the prominent US carriers that had discontinued their operations from India after the slowdown in the global aviation industry following the September 11 events. Hussain also told Blackwill that Air-India would like to fly to some more destinations in the US since the demand for seats to the continent was still very high.

The two countries would shortly start discussions on bilateral air traffic rights, but the minister refused to give a specific date. Post September 11, the bilaterals granted to the US were left unutilised and there had been a large demand-supply gap between traffic and available seat capacities. Blackwill also pointed out that there was an increase in the passenger traffic in the last few months.

He said that US had expressed confidence on security arrangements at Indian airports. Both also discussed enhanced cooperation in the civil aviation sector. ‘‘We already have an extensive cooperation, which we wish to extend even further on security aspects associated with airlines,’’ Blackwill said. Hussian told the US ambassador that India could also benefit from the latest technological innovations in the sector.