Privatisation alone will not yield results, must work as a team: Civil Aviation Minister

Coimbatore: Maintaining that he was not against privatisation, Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati today said it alone would not yield results and stressed upon the need for working as a team.

"We need to encourage more Indian players, be it in the private sector or government to improve and strengthen flight connectivity. There is ample scope for improvement both in air cargo and passenger traffic," he said interacting with members of the local chapter of Indian Chamber of commerce andIndustry here.

Responding to their plea for better flight connectivity and speedy completion of airport expansion project, he said there is need for a mix of both private and public participation in such infrastructure projects.

"Of the 450 plus airstrips across the country, activity is visible in less than a 100," he said.

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In response to another appeal for including Coimbatore in the Asian Air Transport Agreement for operation of flights by foreign airliners to the city, he said, "a number of bilateral agreements are still unutilised.

"We do not want to reduce connectivity, but at the same time look to contribute to the GDP of India by encouraging more Indian players."

PTI