(Lead, superseding earlier story)

Islamabad, Feb 15 (IANS) India and Pakistan Friday inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on air service between the two countries, increasing the frequency of flights a week to 28 from the present 12 for each side. The MoU was signed by Major General Mir Haider Ali Khan, additional secretary in the ministry of defence, for Pakistan and Kanu Gohain, director general of civil aviation, for India.

According to a joint statement released at the conclusion of talks in Rawalpindi, both sides recognized that the existing Air Service Agreement needs to be reviewed and updated in the light of recent developments in the aviation industry, Online news agency reported.

It was agreed that each country henceforth will be able to designate three airlines to operate on the specified routes. Presently only one airline each operates between the two countries.

The two sides agreed to increase the frequency of flights per week to 28 for each side against the present frequency of 12.

Besides the two destinations presently available to the airlines of each country in other’s territory, Islamabad has been added as a third destination for Indian carriers and Chennai for Pakistani airlines.

Both delegations also agreed to meet again at a mutually convenient date within one year to review the capacity and frequency framework and additional destinations in each other’s territory, keeping in view the market demand.