On September 11, the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Airports Authority of India (AAI) to sustainably expand operational capacities of the Kolkata and Lucknow International airports.

USTDA is an independent agency of the US government that “helps [US-based] companies create US jobs through the export of US goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies”.

Updation of the Indian airports will take place over the next two decades, as part of AAI’s 20-year expansion plan.

Thomas R Hardy, USTDA’s acting director said: “We are pleased to support this important project that will support India’s rapid aviation growth, while connecting US businesses with new export opportunities.”

AAI has taken on board Cincinnati-based Landrum and Brown (L&B), a company known for its expertise in aviation planning and development. “We look forward to the opportunity to assist AAI in developing their long-term modernisation plans for Kolkata and Lucknow International Airports bringing the best in class ideas and technologies to solve complex issues at these vital transportation hubs,” said Mark Perryman, the CEO of L&B.

USTDA states: “As the world’s ninth largest aviation market, India’s civil aviation sector is on a high growth trajectory, poised to be the third largest national market by 2020 and, potentially, the largest by 2030.”

aai.aero; ustda.gov