Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India is the fastest growing civil aviation market in the world

HYDERABAD, Mar 25 (The CONNECT) – India intends to acquire a hundred aircraft a year and the number of airports will jump from 140 now to 220 in three years.

Stating this, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said India is the fastest growing civil aviation market in the world. There has been expansion across the spectrum in the sector, with the number of airports in the country going up from 74 in 2013-14 to almost 140. The number is likely to go up to 220 by 2024-25. There were 400 aircrafts in the country then and the number has gone up to 710 in 7 years. It is intended that more than 100 aircrafts should join every year, Scindia said inaugurating ‘Wings India 2022’ at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad today.

Wings India 2022, Asia's largest event for commercial, general and business aviation, is being held with 'India@75: New Horizon for Aviation Industry', as main theme. The event is being jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and FICCI.

Scindia said that regional connectivity is the focus of the government, with provision of last mile connectivity. UDAN is a mission to connect every single citizen, and make flights accessible to common man. “Hawaii chappal pehene wala bhi hawai jahaz main udd paye,”, he added. Underlining Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for UDAN scheme, he said that  more than 409 routes have been identified under the scheme, over 1.75 lakh flights have taken place and more than 91 lakh passengers have benefitted.

Scindia said that the government will be a constructive collaborator with all stakeholders of the aviation sector and work with them for the development of Civil Aviation in the country. “We don’t believe in square tables, we believe in roundtables at our Ministry to ensure the success of this sector and our country at large.”

Scindia said that the Indian Aviation sector has passed through a lot of trials and tribulations during the pandemic period, but it is emerging stronger, fitter and ready to face challenges and tap the opportunities. The sector has shown resilience, and by next year, we will surpass the pre-covid number of domestic passengers. The international flights are going to fully resume in a couple of days, and number of international travellers from India will also jump rapidly.

Scindia said that the Wings India 2022 is a watershed moment, as it is being organized in the 75th year of Indian independence- Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. He said that the agenda of Gati Shakti given by Hon’ble Prime Minister, a twin-pronged initiative and synergy of giving speed and the power, will drive India for years to come. He said that various departments of the Government of India across the umbrella have come together to power India. And as India moves from 75 to 100 years, it will emerge as new power as paradigm has changed and there is lot of focus on infrastructure development. The building of infrastructure is not confined to the economic centres but being provided in all parts of the country for everyone, he added

The Minister said that the Civil aviation sector will play an important role in the country’s development. He said that the sector has economic multiple of 3.1 and employment multiple of 6.1. It means that the investment of a rupee in the civil aviation space adds Rs 3.1 to the economy in the long run, and for every one direct employment, 6.1 indirect jobs are created. He said that Civil aviation is one of the largest employment and output generating sector in the world.

Talking about the metamorphosis in the Indian Civil aviation sector in last 7 years,

The Union Minister also Released the Knowledge Paper on the occasion.

An MoU between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)and Pawan Hans Limited (PHL) was signed on the occasion.

The Minister also launched Small Aircraft Sub-Scheme. Its primary objective is to facilitate and stimulate regional air connectivity by creating a growth-oriented framework with a specific focus on operations through small aircrafts (including seaplanes). The Scheme intends to facilitate creation of an ecosystem for small aircraft operations in the country by providing the framework necessary for bringing together relevant stakeholders such as States, airlines, airport operators and policy makers to collaborate towards the success of this initiative.

Scindia visited Chalet and viewed Aerobatics display by Airforce, SARANG Team.

The Minister also saw Static Display area showing a range of aircrafts from wide body Airbus 350 to small aircrafts and helicopters.

The Minister inaugurated the Exhibition, in which participants include Aircraft & Helicopter Manufacturers, Aircraft Interiors, Aircraft Machinery & Equipment Companies, Airport Infrastructure Companies, Drones, Skill Development, Space Industry, Airlines, Airline Services & Cargo.

On this occasion, the Union Minister also took part in Global CEOs Forum.