(a) whether the Government has extended aviation pact with the EU countries (ASD)for another two years as reported in the Economic Times dated November 30, 2004;
(b) if so, details and reasons therefor;
(c) whether a large number of experts from both sides will be involved in the training programmes; and
(d) if so, the details thereof indicating the funds involved from the Indian side including the proposed Aerospace Academy?
MINISTER OF STATE(INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION ( SHRI PRAFUL PATEL )
(a): Yes, Sir.
(b),(c) &(d): The implementation phase of the EU-India civil aviation project has been extended by 2 years beyond 30.11.2004. Co-operation in areas like production management, exploring partnership between Indian and European enterprises in design, production and servicing of aviation products, training on advanced technologies, preparation of the ground for setting up an Aerospace Academy, mutual certification of products and improvement in Air Traffic Management Systems in India etc. are expected to be the focus of the extended phase. Indian experts are also likely to gain from European experience in civil aviation security particularly in the context of enhanced threat perceptions. Additional activities during the extended phase will be executed from the savings of the first phase and there is no additional financial commitment from either side beyond the original commitment.