Tuesday, April 18 2006 17:44 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A major Indo-US agreement that provides for assistance by American civil aviation bodies to their Indian counterparts in modernising airports, aviation infrastructure, technology and procedures, besides training personnel, was approved by the Union Cabinet today (Apr 18, 2006).

The Memorandum of Agreement provides for assistance by the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) in developing and modernising civil aviation infrastructure in managerial, operational and technical areas.

The US agency, under this umbrella accord, would provide assistance in developing, improving and operation of aviation infrastructure, standards, procedures, policies, training and equipment.

Besides training personnel, it would also provide for inspection and calibration of Indian aviation equipment and air navigation facilities and assist in airport certification besides helicopter operations and safety initiative.

Official sources said the agreement, which would createenabling provisions for seeking specific assistance from the FAA, was an essential requirement also for receiving assistance from the US agency.