Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh today said that FDI in civil aviation will help tap expertise and experience of foreign airlines for domestic industry. Addressing the Economic Editors' Conference in New Delhi, he said 49 per cent FDI by foreign airlines will help in rapid growth of aviation sector in India, and provide affordable air transport. He said that the government will soon set up a Civil Aviation Security force. The Minister said, all over world there is a dedicated security force for aviation sector. The Minister said Central Industrial Security Force although doing good job but security needs of airports are different that of industries.
He said security cost provided by CISF is very high as they have to move battalion from one place to another for this purpose. Mr. Ajit Singh also announced that an Air Accident Bureau will be constituted which will be separate from Directorate General of Civil Aviation, DGC. It will investigate any mishappening or incident related to plane or helicopter accident. Besides this, the Minister said that setting up of a Civil Aviation Authority is on anvil. It will be an effective, autonomous and professional regulatory body which will manage air traffic with safety and security. He said a Bill in this regard will soon be brought before Parliament.
Mr Singh said there will be air connectivity to rural areas.
Mr. Ajit Singh said his Ministry give utmost priority to the safety and security of the passengers. He informed that Airport Authority of India with the support of Indian Space Research Organisation has developed GPS aided navigation system Gagan which is likely to be rolled out in July next year. He said it will help in reducing flying time and fuel consumption by providing straight navigation. The Minister said that India will be the fourth country in the world after USA, Japan and Europe to have such navigation system.