EU and India sign aviation safety and air traffic control agreements

EASA and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) signed a memorandum of understanding to cooperate on aviation safety.

In addition to the agreement, the Airport Authority of India also signed a declaration of intent with Eurocontrol, a pan-European, civil-military organisation that supports European aviation.

The MoU between DGCA and EASA will focus on collaboration at the regulatory and safety levels, while the declaration of intent between AAI and Eurocontrol will be focused on air traffic control.

Among the fastest growing markets in the world is the aviation market, said Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.

"India and the EU have shared strong historical relations which continue to grow today on the back of robust physical, digital and people-to-people connectivity, aided by the aviation industry," he said.

Through virtual mode, the European Union Commissioner for Transport addressed the summit as well.

"From commercial opportunities to aviation safety and security, sustainablility, air traffic management, or consumer protection, our shared experiences, as well as our shared objectives, make us natural partners. We already have a successful history of partnership and cooperation in many areas. I truly hope aviation will become one of our most successful partnerships," she said.

A key focus of the summit is the relationship between the EU and India in the air transport sector, as well as the challenges and opportunities shared between the two regions, such as the post-Covid recovery of air traffic, the enhancement of sustainability, the maintenance of safety, and the development of unmanned aircraft systems.

Top policy makers, industry executives, and stakeholders from the EU and India will attend the summit.

"We have a long standing history of bilateral relation between India and EU. I am sure we have a bright future together with even stronger cooperation and collaboration between EU and India," said Andreas Carlson, Minister of Infrastructure and Housing, Sweden.