New Delhi, July 28 - The government Tuesday signed a pact with International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents some 230 airlines comprising over 90 percent of scheduled air traffic globally, on skill development in the aviation sector.

Under the pact signed in Geneva, IATA will help Indian aviation industry personnel enhance skills to help them match global standards, the government said Tuesday.

'We have signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance the skills and knowledge of Indian civil aviation personnel to support the development of Indian aviation,' the civil aviation ministry statement said.

Added IATA director general Giovanni Bisignani: 'India is an important player in the aviation industry and has a leadership role to play in global aviation issues.