Despite a slew of scandals and defense acquisition issues in India, Mark Kronenberg, vice president of international business development for Boeing Defense, Space and Security (BDS), remains upbeat about business opportunities in the South Asian nation. Kronenberg sat for an exclusive interview in New Delhi with Aviation Week's Jay Menon before the Farnborough International Airshow and discussed why he thinks Boeing is entering banner times in India. AW&ST: What are the opportunities that Boeing is eyeing in India?
The newly appointed head of India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation Prashant Sukul has scheduled a July 14 meeting with all major airlines to discuss safety issues arising from an audit conducted between November and January. The announcement comes after the government abruptly dismissed E.K. Bharat Bhushan as DGCA chief last week, although he had received a six-month extension by the cabinet’s Appointments Committee. The federal aviation ministry has refused to reveal why Bhushan was ousted.
A steep hike in aeronautical fees at one of the busiest airports in India is likely to dent domestic and international operations of the country’s airlines, which are already reeling from a severe cash crunch.
