Emirates group to bid for Indian airports

DUBAI: Dnata, the ground handling, ticketing and reservation arm of Emirates Group, will submit proposals for strategic partnership with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) 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.

UBI to open first overseas branch in Shanghai

Keeping an eye on the foreign markets, Union Bank of India is set to open its first overseas branch at Shanghai in China next month.

The bank is also contemplating to open another branch in Doha and two representative offices in Hong Kong and Dubai.

"We will open our first overseas branch in Shanghai next month," Union Bank of India, General Manager, V K Dhingra said.

The bank has been given licenses by RBI for opening offices in Hong Kong, Doha and Dubai, he said. "These will also be opened soon but the bank is just awaiting the approval from their respective governments."

Expansion on the domestic front is also in the offing with the bank planning to open 125 branches during the next fiscal. "We will open 125 branches in next financial year across the country with a view to strengthen our position here," he said.