Wednesday, May 3 2006 14:20 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A landmark Indo-US agreement, which provides for American civil aviation bodies to assist their Indian counterparts in modernising airports, aviation infrastructure, technology and procedures, besides training personnel, was approved by the Union Cabinet today (May 3, 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 for developing, improving and operation of aviation infrastructure, standards, procedures, policies, training and equipment.

Besides training the staff, it would also assist in inspection and calibration of Indian aviation equipment and air navigation facilities and certify airports, besides helicopter operations and safety initiative.

While the US has signed similar agreements with over 100 countries, the agreement would pave the way for India to get possible FAA assistance in technical and managerial expertise in the civil aviation sector, besides technical assistance in a range of aviation safety areas.