HYDERABAD, INDIA (October 15, 2008) – Important projects underway between the Indian and U.S. aviation sectors and plans for new collaboration are both being showcased under the U.S.-India Aviation Cooperation Program (ACP) at India Aviation 2008 events in Hyderabad. Launched in 2007 in New Delhi at the first U.S.-India Aviation Summit, the ACP agreement was signed between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), and the U.S. Department of Transportation to carry out public - private partnership projects that address the technical challenges posed by India's rapid aviation sector growth.

"The ACP is a great example of bringing the best of U.S. industry and government together to enhance the already fast-paced modernization of the Indian civil air transportation system," said Steven White, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi. "The first project, the Air Traffic Management Training Program, has completed three of four phases, including reciprocal visits to air traffic control sites in each country. All parties in this exchange are learning valuable lessons that will directly benefit both India and the United States."

The second project, the Air Traffic Flow Management (ATFM) Seminar, will take place next week in New Delhi with coordination from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the Airports Authority of India, and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The technical seminar is being held in India to share U.S. ATFM concepts and practices and to highlight industry's collaborative decision-making initiatives and concepts of operation in high-density air traffic zones. The seminar will feature industry and regulator perspectives, including lessons learned from the U.S. ATFM system.

New projects under consideration for potential start in late-2008 or 2009 include a range of activities designed to build the professional, regulatory and technical capacities needed to maintain strong safety oversight in light of the rapid growth in the Indian aviation sector and aerospace industry. In particular, manufacturing and aircraft maintenance standards, and pilot training are priority areas identified by India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation for technical cooperation.

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency advances economic development and U.S. commercial interests in developing and middle-income countries. The agency funds various forms of technical assistance, early investment analysis, training, orientation visits and business workshops that support the development of a modern infrastructure and a fair, open trading environment. USTDA's strategic use of foreign assistance funds to support sound investment policy and decision-making in host countries creates an enabling environment for trade, investment and sustainable economic development. In carrying out its mission, USTDA gives emphasis to economic sectors that may benefit from U.S. exports of goods and services.

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