GAGAN PROJECT
- GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) is an augmentation system to enhance the accuracy and integrity of GPS signals to meet precision approach requirements in Civil Aviation and it is being implemented jointly by AAI and ISRO in three phases.
- GSAT IV being fabricated by ISRO will carry GAGAN payload.
- The footprint of this satellite will cover a vast geographical area from Africa to Australia and hence would facilitate expansion of the service area of ‘GAGAN’ far beyond Indian airspace.
GREENFIELD AIRPORTS
- BENGALURU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, DEVANAHALLI: A Greenfield airport project at Devanahalli near Bengaluni has been implemented on a Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis for 30 years with Public-Private-Participation (PPP) at revised cost of Rs.2068 crore. Government of Karnataka and AAI together hold 26% equity and the strategic joint venture partners hold the balance 74%.
- RAJIV GANDHI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, SHAMSHABAD: A Greenfield airport has been developed in Shamshabad, near Hyderabad on Build Own Operate and Transfer (BOOT) basis with Public Private Participation (PPP) by the Government of Andhra Pradesh. The approximate cost of the Project is Rs.2920 crore. AAI and Government of Andhra Pradesh together hold 26% equity with AAI’s equity being capped at Rs.50 crore. The balance 74% is held by the strategic partner, a consortium consisting of M/s GMR Enterprises and Malaysian Airports Holdings Berhand (MAHB). The airport was also commissioned in 2008.
POLICY FOR GREENFIELD AIRPORTS
- The Government promulgated the Policy for Greenfield Airports in 2008. This policy aims to streamline the approval process to facilitate strengthening and augmenting of airports infrastructure in the country.
- It also attempts to make the approval process more transparent and perdictable.
- Pursuant to Policy for Greenfield Airports, a Steering Committee was constituted to monitor and facilitate the approval process of proposals received for setting up of the airport.
- So far, the Central Government has accorded “in-principle” approval for setting up of one Greenfield airport each at Mopa (Goa), Navi Mumbai, Sindhudurg (Maharastra), Bijapur, Gulbarga, Hassan, Simoga (Karnataka), Kannur (Kerala), Pakyong (Sikkim), Durgapur (West Bengal), Dabra (Madhya Pradesh), Palladi (Rajasthan), ltanagar (Arunachal Pradesh).
AIRPORT ECONOMIC REGULATORY AUTHORITY (AERA)
- AERA was established in May, 2009 with the prime objective to create a level playing field and foster healthy competition among all major airports, encourage investment in airport facilities, regulate tariffs of aeronautical services, protection of reasonable interest of users, operate efficient, economic and viable airports at notified airports.
NATIONAL AVIATION COMPANY OF INDIA LTD (AIR INDIA)
- Air India and Indian Airlines merger attained its official status on the formation of National Aviation Company of India Ltd. (Air India) in 2007.
- Post merger the new entity is known as Air India while its mascot is retained as ‘Maharajah’.
- The new company has the following subsidiaries under its control:
- Hotel Corporation of India (HCI),
- Air India Charters Ltd. (Air India Express),
- Air India Air Transport Services Ltd,
- Air India Engineering Services Ltd,
- Vayudoot Ltd,
- Airlines Allied Services Ltd. (Alliance Air),
- IAL Airport Services Ltd.
