NEW DELHI (TIP): India and New Zealand today signed the “Arrangement for Cooperation on Civil Aviation”. The document was signed in the presence of Union Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Ajit Singh and Minister of Economic Development and Tertiary Education Mr. Steven Joyce of New Zealand by Secretary Civil Aviation Shri K.N, Shrivastava and High Commissioner of New Zealand to India Ms. Jan Henderson. Under the Arrangement the two countries will promote and support the development of training and technical cooperation in the field of Civil Aviation.

The type of cooperative activities will include civil aviation programmes; sending and receiving experts or instructors for training purposes; acceptance of licenses; acceptance of aeronautical products including but not limited to aircraft, engines, propellers and parts, and aviation services; organization of seminars; exchanging information on activities, policies, practices and laws and regulations concerning civil aviation, including but not limited to safety and environmental matters; and visits and exchanges of technical personnel or other experts.

A Joint committee of the two countries will be formed to determine and oversee mutually acceptable cooperation activities. The committee will also develop a Programme of Cooperation. Speaking on the occasion Shri Singh said the designated airlines of both sides are entitled to seven services per week in each direction, however, neither side is operating at present. Underlining that a sizeable population of Indian origin stays in New Zealand, Shri Singh added that the growth of air services between the two countries will greatly facilitate in enhancing cordial relationship, connectivity, trade and tourism. Later the business delegations of two countries interacted on possible areas of cooperation in civil aviation sector between the two countries.