Image: Air India X account
India’s aviation sector is poised for a stark transition, with local carriers planning large fleet expansions in the coming years. Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam recently indicated that Indian airlines’ fleet size is likely to rise from 800 to 1,400 aircraft by 2029, representing a significant increase in capacity.
This ambitious development is being fueled by significant orders from market leaders like IndiGo and Air India. These airlines are aggressively investing in new aircraft to accommodate the rising demand for air travel, both locally and globally.
As India’s economy continues to expand rapidly, the expansion of its aviation sector is viewed as a critical step toward accommodating an increasing number of air travelers.
Passenger traffic in India has already increased dramatically in recent years. The number of passengers has more than doubled, rising from 11 crore to 22 crore, as India’s middle class expands and more people can afford to travel. This rise in demand is forcing airlines to expand their fleets to meet passenger demand, while also offering the potential to increase flight frequency and network routes, notably to neglected locations both in India and overseas.
Infrastructure development is also an important part of the aviation industry’s expansion. Over the last decade, the number of airports in India has nearly doubled, from 74 to 157. This expansion in airport capacity is part of a larger drive to enhance connectivity across the country, allowing for easier access to smaller airports and strengthening India’s position as a hub for both domestic and international flights. The Indian government is dedicated to addressing rising air travel demand and improving the overall passenger experience by building new airports and renovating existing ones.
Image: WAI-India X account
At the ‘Giving Wings to Dreams Awards 2024,’ held in New Delhi, Vualnam acknowledged the growing significance of women in the aviation industry. He highlighted the rising potential for women in the nascent drone sector, which is expected to play a significant role in the future of aviation. As drones become more popular in sectors such as freight delivery, surveillance, and infrastructure monitoring, women are playing an important role in defining the industry’s future. The Civil Aviation Secretary’s words complement a larger push to encourage gender diversity and inclusiveness in the aviation workforce.
In addition to infrastructure construction and fleet growth, the government has put in place policies to help the aviation sector flourish over time. One such effort is the Rs 120 crore Production Linked Incentive (PLI) plan, which was created to promote growth in India’s aerospace and aviation industrial sectors. The plan has been a huge success, with enterprises that have benefited from it reporting a dramatic increase in sales from Rs 120 crore to Rs 1,400 crore. This rise in the manufacturing sector is likely to stimulate further job creation and innovation, accelerating the industry’s progress.
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