Cabinet okays air navigation system Gagan

The government on Thursday approved a proposal for executing a system that will help airlines choose the best and most fuel saving routes.

The government on Thursday approved a proposal for executing a system that will help airlines choose the best and most fuel saving routes.

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It will also help a pilot chose the best airspace and airport access or approach in all weather conditions, reducing delays and hover-time.

The Rs 774 crore Global Positioning System aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) is a satellite-based process developed jointly by the Indian Space Research Organisation and the Airports Authority of India.

“Gagan would be in place by 2011 and would make flying much safer,” Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said.
AAI would bear bulk of the investment (Rs 596 crore) on the project that would be implemented in two phases. The balance Rs 178 crore would be borne by ISRO.

US defence major Raytheon is keen to bid for the project, sources said.