The project has been structured by the European Association of Aerospace Industries, in collaboration with joint aviation authorities and the Indian civil aviation ministry.

According to official at the EC, the project is aimed at establishing sound relations in order to promote co-operation and development of trade relations between European and Indian aviation and improve air safety in the region of south and south-east Asia. The project would mainly be aimed at increasing the awareness of Indian authorities for EU industry practices including airworthiness and safety regulations and standards in their region.

The action foreseen as part of the project includes improving airportmanagement, introducing new support techniques for product maintenance and training pilots. A series of workshops, courses and semonars would be organised additionally as part of the project.

Industry observers commented that the EC's initiative is because it the European industry believes it is important to counter balance the "considerable" Russian influence and the ever-growing American influence in the sub-continent. They added that for more than 30 years, India was a major producer of military aircraft and is now aspires to develop the civil aviation branch of its aviation industry.

It is estimated that over the next 10 years, the air transport of passengers should incraese by 10 per cent annually for national traffic and 7 per cent for international traffic. International freight traffic, too, is exoected to grow by 12 per cent annually.For the European aerospace industry, it is essential to co-operate with India as the potential of the Asia-Pacific region for the next 20 years is estimated at some4000 civil aircraft of average tonnage.