75 New Airports Take Flight in India: Civil Aviation Soars

Nagpur, January 12: Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia announced a remarkable milestone in India's civil aviation sector, highlighting the construction of 75 new airports in the past decade. This achievement aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to make air travel accessible to a broader segment of the population. Scindia emphasized the sector's growth potential and the government's plans to increase the number of airports in the country from 149 to 220 in the coming years.

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A New Era of Air Travel

Scindia addressed the formal inauguration of the aircraft Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility of AAR-Indamer at Mihan SEZ in Nagpur. He described the event as a pivotal moment in the evolution of MRO in India, signifying the coming of age of civil aviation in the country. The minister acknowledged the sector's historical journey spanning over 100 years but emphasized its recent transformation, offering immense opportunities and growth.

Expansion and Growth

Scindia highlighted the significant growth in India's civil aviation sector, noting the increase in the number of aircraft from 400 to 713 in the past decade. He shared impressive statistics, including Air India's order for 470 aircraft (250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing) and IndiGo's purchase of 500 planes. These orders reflect the vast potential and growth trajectory of the aviation industry.

Four New Airlines and a Clear Vision

Scindia attributed the birth of four new airlines to Prime Minister Modi's vision of bringing the common man into the flying space and fostering development. He contrasted the current scenario with the past, when news of airline shutdowns dominated the industry. The minister emphasized the positive trajectory of the aviation sector, with a focus on all stakeholders.

Infrastructure Development and Passenger Traffic

Scindia highlighted the substantial increase in air passenger traffic, which has grown by 130% in the past ten years, from approximately 6 crore to an impressive 13.8 crore per annum. He also mentioned the government's ambitious plan to increase the number of airports from 149 to 220 in the next 5 to 7 years, supported by a substantial capital expenditure plan of Rs 1 lakh crore.

MRO Sector and International Growth

Scindia acknowledged the rapid growth of the MRO sector, driven by India's engineering talent. He commended the historic joint venture between Indamer, India's oldest MRO, and AAR, the largest MRO in the USA. The minister emphasized the aviation ministry's role as a facilitator rather than just a regulator.

Boeing's Investment and Pune Airport Development

Scindia announced Boeing's establishment of a new facility in Bengaluru, in collaboration with GMR Aero Technic, to convert Boeing passenger jets into freight aircraft for the cargo sector in India. He also shared plans for the inauguration of Boeing's largest engineering and design facility outside the USA, with an investment of almost USD 200 million.

Later in the day, Scindia reviewed the new terminal building at the Pune airport, expressing the government's commitment to increasing the number of airports in the country to 200 by 2030. He highlighted the heritage-inspired design of the new terminal building, featuring a Shaniwar Wada-like structure and a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

India's civil aviation sector is soaring to new heights, driven by the government's vision to make air travel accessible and affordable for all. With the construction of 75 new airports, the expansion of existing infrastructure, and the emergence of new airlines, the sector holds immense potential for growth and development. The MRO sector is also poised for significant expansion, capitalizing on India's engineering expertise. As the industry continues to evolve, India is well-positioned to become a major player in the global aviation landscape.