By Aritra Banerjee
As the global aviation industry anticipates a robust recovery, India’s civil aviation sector is set for a significant ascend. Critical policy revisions, expanding infrastructure, an upsurge in flight training, a burgeoning Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector, and a nascent drone industry are thrusting India into the global aviation spotlight. The recent Paris Airshow 2023 highlighted India’s potential to revolutionise aviation, underlining the country’s escalating capabilities.
The vision behind this transformative journey is championed by the Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia. His audacious goal for India to accommodate 400 million domestic flyers by 2024 sets the pace for the country’s future aviation endeavours. This aspiration, supported by a substantial order of 220 aircraft and an estimated market value of $330 billion for 2200 units over the next two decades, underscores India’s escalating global aviation presence.
Charting India’s Aviation Growth
In a riveting discourse with Indian Aerospace & Defence, Civil Aviation Minister Scindia had previously provided a vivid depiction of India’s aviation progression. The predicted surge in passenger traffic, anticipated to reach 400 million in the upcoming half-decade, reflects the industry’s expansion and acts as a potent catalyst for further growth. This surge in demand is prompting growth across the sector, stimulating expansions in various aspects.
This robust growth is palpable and impressive. Since the fiscal year of 2013-2014, the fleet capacity has amplified from a mere 400 to almost 700 aircraft, illustrating India’s prompt response to growing demand. The number of functioning airports has also increased significantly, doubling from 74 to 141, further emphasising India’s potential to scale new heights in the global aviation sector.
The growth wave is not confined to primary aspects of the aviation industry but extends to the MRO industry, Flight Training Organisations (FTOs), and cargo services. Safran’s substantial $150 million investment in a Hyderabad MRO facility signals the sector’s abundant opportunities. The FTO capacity is expected to rise from 34 to 49, and the cargo capacity to triple by 2030, underlining the vast potential of India’s aviation sector.
Creating An Integrated Aerospace Ecosystem
With the dynamic momentum of the civil aviation sector, India’s national aerospace ecosystem’s evolution seems inevitable. Scindia advocates that this is the perfect time for India to cultivate a comprehensive aerospace ecosystem, harnessing dual-use technologies and facilities to cater to commercial and military aviation, creating a more diversified and robust aerospace landscape.
Reflecting India’s commitment to inclusive aviation growth, the Ude Desh ka Aam Nagarik (UDAN) scheme has been pivotal since its inception in 2016. With over 780 routes operational and more planned, the UDAN scheme embodies India’s comprehensive approach to inclusive aviation growth.
India’s proactive stance towards drone regulations has also garnered significant attention. The ‘Drone Rules, 2023’ represents a strategic shift towards exploiting drone technology’s potential in the next aviation wave, integrating commercial drone services across various sectors.
Human Capital & Sustainable Aviation: India’s Vision
India’s aviation sector vision includes human capital development and sustainability. Numerous training initiatives, particularly those focused on STEM education, aim to equip the next generation with the necessary skills to tackle the industry’s complex demands. India’s commitment to a sustainable future aligns with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) CORSIA agreement, as the country invests in Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), modernises its fleet, and fosters green airport design.
Digital Transformation: A Revolutionary Approach To India’s Aviation
The ongoing aviation revolution in India is intrinsically linked with digital transformation. The DigiYatra initiative aims to digitalise the passenger experience, making air travel more efficient and seamless. By capitalising on digital technologies, India aims to transition into a new aviation era, providing world-class services to its passengers.
India’s Stellar Performance At The Paris Airshow 2023
The Paris Airshow 2023 symbolised the aviation industry’s resilient post-pandemic recovery and marked a celebratory moment for India’s thriving aerospace sector. With massive orders, transformative deals, and technological innovations taking centre stage, Indian aviation emerged as a highlight of the show.
In a groundbreaking move, IndiGo, the popular Indian low-cost airline, ordered 500 A320 family aircraft from Airbus, demonstrating its commitment to meeting anticipated domestic and international air travel demand as markets rebound. Recently acquired by the Tata Group, Air India announced orders for 250 aircraft from Airbus and 220 from Boeing, highlighting a clear shift towards fleet modernisation.
Simultaneously, regional carrier FlyBig’s order with De Havilland Canada for a lightweight ‘Twin Otter’ aircraft variant signals a strategic focus on enhancing regional connectivity and operational efficiency.
Moreover, Indian defence and aerospace firms like Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), L&T Technology Services, and Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) showcased their innovative capabilities, reflecting India’s increasing self-reliance and technological advancement in defence and aerospace.
Praveen P.A, Director, Aerospace & Defence at the Government of Telangana, had encapsulated the atmosphere at the airshow: “There’s an overwhelming positivity surrounding India at the Paris Air Show. The mega orders of IndiGo and Air India have excited not just the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) but also the downstream supply chain and service providers. Numerous global tier 1 and tier 2 players are finding a strong business case to set up or expand their operations in India.”
As India’s aviation sector ascends, the world watches keenly. Despite the challenges, India’s aviation sector is not slowing down. It continues to soar high, pushing boundaries and redefining its global aviation stature. This new horizon concerns India’s ascent, resilience, ambition, and unyielding human spirit to reach for the skies. The international community can anticipate exciting developments as India continues its remarkable aviation journey.
