In a joint effort by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Airports Authority of India (AAI), Airport Authority of India – Cargo Logistics & Allied Services Company Limited (AAICLAS) and Confederation of Indian Industry, the Aviation Conclave 2019 is being organized. The theme for this year’s event is “Flying for All”, highlighting the focus on new business opportunities in the aviation sector, as well as the development of next-gen aviation hubs and increased integration with global value chains.
Five Key Areas of Deliberation
The Aviation Conclave has prioritized five crucial areas of discussion. One of the major discussions is the Drone-Ecosystem Policy Roadmap, which focuses on the integration and potential use of drones. Another key area is the roadmap for Manufacturing Aircraft and associated equipment, aimed at promoting domestic production.
Following these is ‘Project Rupee Raftaar’, a project devised to encourage aircraft financing and leasing from India. Under this project, both Indian and foreign airlines are encouraged to finance and lease aircrafts directly from India.
The National Air Cargo Policy represents the fourth key area. Its goal is to position India among the top five air freight markets by 2025. It also envisages creating air transport shipment hubs at all major airports over the next six years, encouraging code sharing or interline agreements.
The last topic aims to transform Indian airports into next-generation aviation hubs.
India’s Aviation Industry: A peek into the present growth & future potential
Presently, the Indian civil aviation industry is witnessing significant expansion. Factors such as low-cost carriers, modern airports, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in domestic airlines, advanced information technology interventions, and a strong focus on regional connectivity are all driving this growth.
This growth in aviation is creating additional demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities. There is increased attention towards infrastructure development, underlined by liberalization initiatives like the Open Sky Policy.
| Year | Growth Rate |
|---|---|
| 2016 | 10% |
| 2017 | 15% |
| 2018 | 18% |
Government’s Policy
The government has launched several programmes to boost the aviation industry. A scheme known as UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) was initiated in 2016, with the intention of making air travel affordable for all by linking unserved airports across India. Another scheme, NABH Nirman, announced in the 2018-19 budget, intends to expand airport capacity fivefold to accommodate a billion trips a year. Finally, the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) was devised to enhance regional air connectivity, promote tourism, and generate employment.
Innovation and Technology advancements such as GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN), and No Objection Certificate Application System (NOCAS), have been introduced in order to streamline processes and improve efficiency. The adoption of E-Governance for Civil Aviation (eGCA) ensures online delivery of licensing and regulatory processes. These new technologies demonstrate the government’s commitment to enhancing the sector’s growth and development.
