The Ministry of Civil Aviation, GoI (MoCA) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) along with International Financial Services Center Authority (IFSCA) is organizing India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2025 on 7th March 2025 from 1000 Hrs to 1700 Hrs IST at Radisson GIFT City Club, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

The upcoming India Aircraft Leasing and Financing Summit 2025 will serve as a platform to delve into the evolving opportunities and challenges in the aircraft leasing and financing sector in India. It aims to reinforce India’s position as a global aviation hub, particularly through the role of GIFT City and its framework for international standards in leasing.

• Positioning GIFT City as a Global Leasing Hub: The summit will focus on the growing operational leasing ecosystem at GIFT City, which has already facilitated financing for multiple assets, including aircraft, engines, and ground equipment. Efforts to benchmark GIFT City against global hubs like Dublin and Singapore remain central to discussions.

• Transition to Newer Aircraft Models: With the increasing demand for fuel-efficient, narrow-body aircraft, the summit will address how India’s leasing framework can cater to this shift and attract global players.

• Cape Town Convention: The adoption of the Cape Town Convention remains a high priority. The summit will explore how its integration can enhance investor confidence by providing clarity in repossession rights and reducing risks for lessors.

• Rupee-Based Financing: The summit will discuss the potential for domestic, rupee-denominated financing to reduce dependency on foreign capital and mitigate forex risks, paving the way for cost-efficient solutions for Indian airlines.

• Legal and Tax Considerations: Challenges like double taxation, the need for treaty networks, and harmonization of tax policies will be key areas of focus. Discussions will also emphasize structuring exemptions for entities within GIFT City to enhance its appeal as a leasing hub.

• Dispute Resolution Mechanism: Recognizing the criticality of efficient legal processes, the summit will highlight the development of a dedicated arbitration and dispute resolution center tailored for the aviation sector.

• Innovative Financing Options: Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) and tokenization will be discussed as emerging methods to address the growing demand for capital in the sector.

The summit will unite policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders to shape a robust ecosystem for aircraft leasing and financing, empowering India’s aviation industry to achieve its ambitious growth objectives.