The civil aviation sector in India reached new heights with the inauguration of Asia’s largest aviation expo, Wings India 2024, by Union Minister for Civil Aviation and Steel, Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia. The four-day extravaganza, held at Hyderabad’s Begumpet Airport, showcased the remarkable growth and future aspirations of the Indian aviation industry under the theme, “Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047.”
In his inaugural address, Minister Scindia emphasized the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbkum,” highlighting the role of civil aviation in connecting the world as one family while meeting the aspirations of ordinary citizens to fly. He underlined the aviation sector’s pivotal role as a key driver of economic development, providing significant economic and social benefits through tourism, trade, connectivity, job creation, and supporting remote communities.
The Indian aviation sector, according to Minister Scindia, symbolizes the three As: Accessibility, Availability, and Affordability. He painted a vivid picture of India’s remarkable growth story, citing impressive statistics that showcase the country as a shining star in the global civil aviation landscape. From a substantial increase in domestic passenger numbers, reaching 143 million in 2020, to a continuous rise in international passengers and cargo volumes, India’s aviation industry has witnessed unprecedented expansion.
Despite this growth, Minister Scindia acknowledged that India remains an under-penetrated market. To address this, he outlined the government’s commitment to building state-of-the-art aviation infrastructure in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. Steps have been taken to create capacities, remove bottlenecks, and simplify processes, ensuring that by 2047, India’s aviation system supports a USD 20 trillion economy.
Under the Prime Minister’s flagship scheme, RCS-UDAN, Minister Scindia highlighted the operationalization of 76 airports in Tier-3 and Tier-4 cities, enhancing last-mile connectivity. The UDAN scheme has transformed airstrips and airports, unlocking the true potential of the country and benefiting over 1.32 crore people through more than 2.5 lakh flights.
The minister also discussed efforts to promote growth in helicopters and small aircraft, emphasizing the importance of seamless last-mile connectivity. Liberalized policies and increased training infrastructure aim to address capacity building across the aviation value chain, ensuring the availability of skilled resources.
Wings India 2024 witnessed several significant announcements, including the launch of UDAN 5.3 and the establishment of the Airbus-Air India Training Centre. Collaborations between Airbus and Indian entities like TATA ASL and Mahindra Aerospace Structures Pvt. Ltd. were unveiled to foster more pilots. Additionally, GMR and IndiGo joined forces to develop sustainable training in the aerospace industry, and the GMR School of Aviation was inaugurated.
The event showcased the dynamism and potential of the Indian aviation sector, attracting key figures like Minister of State, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Road Transport, and Highways, Gen. (Retd) Dr. V.K. Singh, and Shri Komatireddy Venkat Reddy, Minister of Road & Buildings and Cinematography, Government of Telangana.
As Wings India 2024 unfolded, it became clear that India’s aviation sector is not just taking flight but is poised to soar to unprecedented heights, setting the stage for a future where the country plays a leading role in global civil aviation.
