New Delhi, Sep 17 - The government Thursday gave its approval to the proposed amendments to the India-Saudi Arabia air service agreement to help enhance bilateral trade and promote tourism.

'The provision of the incorporation of multiple designation clause has been agreed. Each side can now designate any number of airlines as they wish,' Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters here after a cabinet meeting.

The capacity entitlement for designated airlines of each side has been enhanced from the existing 8,500 seats per week with frequencies of 31 services to 20,000 seats per week with frequencies of 75 services.

Both sides had held talks earlier and agreed Jan 23, 2008, to modernise the air service agreement signed in 1973.

'Now each side can designate one or more of their carriers to operate agreed services between the two countries. In the ASA, articles on co-operative marketing arrangements and aviation safety have been introduced,' Soni said.

'The modernised ASA has the potential to spur greater trade investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries,' the minister said.