New Delhi: A declaration of intent was signed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) with Eurocontrol, and a memorandum of understanding was inked by DGCA with the European Union Aviation Safety for closer cooperation, during the two days EU-India Aviation Summit which began in New Delhi on Thursday.
The summit focuses on EU-India air transport relations and the mutually shared challenges and opportunities of the two regions, such as the post-COVID recovery of air traffic, increasing sustainability, maintaining safety, and the development of unmanned aircraft systems.
The Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia addressed the summit virtually. During his address, he said, “India and the European Union (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."
The minister invited EU players to partner with India in developing adaptive technologies and support the objective of tackling emissions from the aviation Industry.
“We are encouraging airports to use 100% green energy by 2024 and achieve net zero by 2030. The 25 AAI airports are already using 100% green energy. Our target is to make another 121 Airports carbon neutral by 2025. We have also mandated the use of renewable energy as part of the bid documents for upcoming airports; we are also working towards encouraging the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel. Indian Airline operators have already conducted demonstration flights using bio-fuel blended with ATF”, he added.
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Adina Vălean, European Union Commissioner for Transport also addressed the summit through virtual mode. She said, “From commercial opportunities to aviation safety and security, sustainability, 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", added Adina.
