Emirates group to bid for Indian airports

Dnata, the ground handling, ticketing and reservation arm of Emirates Group, will submit proposals for strategic partnership with the Airports Authority of India to offer ground handling solutions for its airports.

As part of its privatisation drive, the Indian government is currently in the process of modernizing over 40 airports in the country. The deadline for submission of proposals is April 30.

"We are going to submit proposals to Indian authorities for ground handling projects in four days as the April 30 deadline is very close,"

Gary Chapman, president of Group Services and Dnata, said.

At present, Dnata looks after ground handling operations in nine international airports including Dubai, Singapore, Changi, Guangzhou, Iran and Karachi.

"By 2010, we will have presence in more than 30 international airports as we are aggressively pursuing opportunities in India, China and other Asian markets," Chapman was quoted as saying by the Gulf News.

"After India, China is very strong in our plans and we are looking at opportunities in major Chinese airports," he added.