MUMBAI, July 15: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is exploring possibilities of venturing into airport infrastructure and airport modernisation in India.Speaking to newsmen here today, KLM's CEO and President Leo Van Wijk, said that to meet the emerging challenges and the potential growth in air passenger and cargo, KLM is willing to provide the know-how and offer consultancy in modernisation and airport infrastructure."With its experience in Schiphol airport in Amsterdam, it is ideally suited to upgrade existing Indian airports and facilities to international standard," he said. He would be discussing airport infrastructure projects and traffic rights with the Civil Aviation Ministry officials in Delhi on Wednesday.He said with Airports Authority of India (AAI) also keen to invite private participation in airport infrastructure, KLM is willing to offer ramp handling facilities. "Whatever we offer we intend to be within the aviation guidelines," he said.He said airline has the necessary experience to putup a cargo centre, provided it fits into the new aviation policy. Wijk said revenues of KLM - which has an alliance with USA's Northwest Airlines and operates to Delhi and Mumbai - from India contributed a mere two per cent of the total revenue.With improved infrastructure and modern airports, India could easily develop into a leading international hub and take advantage of international air traffic resulting in a major improvement in aviation business potential. "India has the capacity and trained manpower and professional expertise to capture a major share of the anticipated business," he added.
