Southern States - Tamil Nadu-Chennai

Malaysia interested in leasing Chennai airport

By Our Special Correspondent

New Delhi May 13. Malaysia today expressed its desire to lease airports in India, particularly the Chennai international airport. It also sought a revision in the bilateral air services agreement between the countries to enable its carrier to operate more flights to India.

This was conveyed by the visiting Malaysian Transport Minister, Ling Liong Sik, when he called on the Union Civil Aviation Minister, Shahnawaz Hussain, here today. A special presentation on the four metro airports — Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, which are up for privatisation through leasing — was made for Mr. Sik and his delegation. The delegation will visit Chennai tomorrow to assess the infrastructure there.

Mr. Sik pointed out that the Malaysian national carrier, Malaysian Airlines Systems, operated seven flights out of India but would like to have more since the flow of tourists had increased from 45,000 in 2000 to 1,45,000 in 2001.

Mr. Hussain informed Mr. Sik that road shows had been conducted in New Delhi and London for the privatisation of the four international airports. The Government had also appointed a global adviser and was in the process of finalising terms and conditions.

The Minister pointed out that the northeast was a focus area for the Government, and Guwahati had been linked to Bangkok. The Minister was accompanied by the Secretary, Civil Aviation, K. Roy Paul, and the Chairman, Airports Authority of India, S.K. Narula, during the discussions.

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