AAI strikes deal with IIT-Madras to improve air navigation
Keeping in mind the exponential growth in air traffic, Airports Authority of India (AAI) struck a deal with IIT-Madras yesterday to jointly research and improve air navigation systems. The MoU is part of AAI's R&D system it has set up at Hyderabad's Civil Aviation Research Organisation. AAI hopes to meet the air traffic challenges by manufacturing navigation equipment as part of this deal.
Indigenous air navigation system would remove import cost
The indigenous air navigation system to be manufactured under Make in India would also remove the import cost currently borne by AAI. As per the MoU, IIT-Madras will transfer knowledge in mathematical/analytical/AI and data mining solutions, while AAI will give them the access to aviation data. Prof Ravindra Gettu signed the deal on behalf of IIT, while AK Dutta represented AAI.
IIT-Madras' IC&SR will be conducting the research, says Gettu
"IIT-Madras is glad to collaborate with AAI, especially with their new research wing in the modernization of the air traffic management," said Gettu. IIT-Madras' Industrial Consultancy and Sponsored Research (IC&SR) will be collaborating with AAI for the research programs. IC&SR, an ISO 9001 Quality certified program, is responsible for promotion, facilitation, coordination and administration of all sponsored and consultancy projects handled by IIT-Madras faculty.
'A mutually beneficial deal with lasting solutions'
AAI chairman Guruprasad Mohapatra had similar views. "It's high time that we focused on developing excellence through innovation and adoption of technologies to provide safe passenger and aircraft movement," he said. Gettu added it's a mutually beneficial deal with lasting solutions. Currently, AAI manages 125 airports and is the sole provider of air navigation services to 2.8mil square nautical miles of airspace.
Not the first: AAI, IIM-Bengaluru collaborated for training modules
This isn't the first time AAI has collaborated with a premier institution to improve its functioning. In March, it signed a deal with IIM-Bengaluru to impart training to 200 of its employees and hone skills of middle-senior level employees.
