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India will negotiate with Abu Dhabi for additional seat entitlements, a move which will enable Jet Airways and Etihad. Airways to add more services on the route.
Civil aviation minister Ajit Singh, on Sunday, said seat entitlements on both sides were full and the ministry will negotiate for additional traffic rights. He said the ministry was also considering Jet Airways proposal to extend its code share agreement with Etihad.
He said deal was course adding that nothing can be said until an agreement is signed. The two airlines are negotiating a stake sale deal under which Etihad will pick up 24 percent in Jet Airways.
Side stepping a question on whether the move will favour Abu Dhabi's hub development prospects, Singh said even Indian carriers need the opportunity to increase their international flights. "Indian airlines do not fly to Australia or Central Asia. Unless we allow them how will the airlines grow," he said adding that minstry has increased entitlement to Indian carriers by 81,000 seats.
