France looks to set up aircraft manufacturing facility in India

BY A CORRESPONDENT
June 24, 2006

France is looking to set up aircraft manufacturing and training facilities in India, report agencies, keeping in mind India's growing aviation industry and market. France is also looking to increase trade with India.

The French Ambassador to India Dominique Girard has reportedly said, "We foresee greater co-operation between both countries especially in the aeronautical sector. We are planning to set up aircraft manufacturing and training facilities here."

The comments come in the wake of Toulouse-based Airbus Industrie's increasing activity in India. Airbus had recently announced plans to outsource close to 60 per cent of its production, and assign more work to India and China.

This would help the manufacturer in gaining customers. Already, state-owned Indian has placed an order for 43 Airbus aircraft, while low-cost carrier Kingfisher Airlines continues to be a major customer.

Speaking of bilateral trade, Girard said that he expected the current 3 billion dollar mark to more than double in the coming five years. Currently, France stands fifth in the line of major trading partners for India within the Euopean Union.