• Strategy to include creating capacity, removing bottlenecks and simplified processes for industry
• Govt to focus on providing last mile connectivity

NEW DELHI, 19 May 2023: Mr Jyotiraditya M Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel, Govt of India yesterday said that with rapid urbanization India is growing from a rural economy into an urban economy. "By 2040, nearly 42 per cent of our country will be urbanized and this will lead to greater travel by civil aviation," he added.

 

Addressing the curtain raiser of 'WINGS INDIA 2024', organized by FICCI, jointly with the Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI and AAI, Mr Scindia stated that the government has massive game plans for the civil aviation sector. "It is our three-pronged aim which include creating capacity, removing all bottlenecks for the industry and simplify processes and procedures for the industry," he emphasized.

 

The Minister further stated that the number of airports in the country will increase from 148 currently to 200 airports in the next 3-4 years. "Today, the 6 metro airports in India have a throughput capacity of 220 million passengers and in next 4 years, this number will increase to 420 million passengers in these 6 airports," he added.

 

Mr Scindia also stated that it is the thrust of the government to focus on providing the last mile connectivity. "Connectivity to the hinterland is mandatory and it should not be optional anymore. The fundamental change that the civil aviation sector has gone through in the last 9 years has been the democratization of civil aviation," he asserted.

 

Mr Scindia while inviting the industry to attend the Wings India 2024 stated that India is set to become the largest civil aviation market in the world during the journey till 2047 when India celebrates its 100^th year of Independence.

 

Mr Rajiv Bansal, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt of India said, "We are going to see huge capacity addition in Indian aviation sector. There is a huge potential in increasing international connectivity with Indian airports in metro cities."

 

Mr Sanjeev Kumar, Chairman, Airports Authority of India said Wings India 2024 will offer a platform to the stakeholders to showcase latest development, retrieve sector's significance to the country's economy and help create myriad opportunities for partnership and collaborations.

 

Mr Remi Maillard, Chairman, FICCI Civil Aviation Committee and President & MD, Airbus - India and South Asia while highlighting the opportunities in the Indian civil aviation sector said that there has been an increase in air cargo operations. "India to remain the fastest growing market in the world," he added.

 

Mr Shailesh K Pathak, Secretary General, FICCI said that currently, Indian metro airports have direct flights to less than 100 global destinations. In the next ten years, this number would double and non-stop flights to most international destinations would be possible.

 

Mr Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI also shared his perspective on Wings India 2024.

The brochure and promotional video of 'Wings India 2024' was released during the event. 'Wings India 2024', Asia's largest event on Civil Aviation (Commercial, General and Business Aviation) is scheduled from 18-21 January 2024 at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, India.

FICCI MEDIA DIVISION