|
|
Airbus to ink pact with HAL for $100 million tie up
Aircraft maker to set up maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility at Nasik in India's western state of Maharashtra.
BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
October 3, 2006
Nasik: Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel has said the aviation major is seeking a tie-up with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for setting up a $100 million plant.
"They (Airbus) want to have a tie-up with HAL and the latter has two bases, one at Bangalore and in Nasik and we have requested Airbus to select Nasik, which will be convenient to both," Patel was quoted as saying by a news agency.
Airbus' rival Boeing has already signed a memorandum of understanding with the Maharashtra Government and Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC), a sate-run firm, for setting up a similar facility in Nasik.
Patel said Nasik would be an ideal location in the western state. Patel is a lawmaker from Maharashtra.
He said the Maharashtra government should speed up the progress of the proposed multi-modal international passenger and cargo hub (MIHAN).
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) will hold 49 per cent equity in a dedicated company to be set up for the purpose, while the MADC will hold the majority stake.
Patel said his pet project, an aviation academy that he plans to set up in neighbouring Gondia district, would become a reality soon.
|
