India and Pakistan on Tuesday agreed to continue discussions for the enhancement of capacities, frequencies and gateways for the benefit of the travelling public of the two countries. Both sides expressed desire to expand the scope of the existing air services agreement at the parleys concluded here on Tuesday.
The talks were held in friendly and cordial atmosphere, a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the talks said. The Pakistani delegation was led by Defence Ministry Additional Secretary Major General Mohammad Ashraf Chaudhry (Retd), while Indian side was led by Civil Aviation Director General Satendra Singh.
Later talking to newsmen, Ashraf Chaudhry said that the Pakistani side suggested for substantial expansion in gateways, frequencies, capacity and multiple destinations of airlines.
The multiple destinations would entitle the private airlines to operate, he said, adding that presently there was an arrangement of single destination under which the PIA and Indian Airlines were operating, respectively.
The Pakistani side also proposed to enhance from existing two destinations to five, including Hyderabad, Chennai and Kochin, he said, adding that it was also suggested to increase the exiting 12 frequencies of flight.
To a question, Ashraf said the ultimate objective was open sky policy, which would enable the airlines to reach any destination in either side, adding, "The sooner we do it the better."
This was the fourth meeting between Pakistan and India on Civil Aviation, held here to review the existing bilateral arrangements, he added.
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