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Hans India
05-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
India added one new airport every 40 days in last 10 years: Civil Aviation Minister
New Delhi: In just 10 years, the country have seen 88 new airports — nearly one new airport every 40 days — and added 60 additional flights every hour, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu has said. According to the minister, flying in India today is more accessible, more available and more affordable. 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian skies are more connected, competitive and collaborative, said Naidu, reiterating the ministry's commitment to collaborative, state-specific strategies for achieving inclusive aviation growth. He was speaking at the 'Northern Region Ministers' Conference on Civil Aviation 2025' in Dehradun, organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation 'Through this strategic initiative we aim to identify the regional opportunities and unlock the vast potential of Tier 2 and 3 cities. If we look at the sector through numbers, then we can clearly see the scale of the opportunity that exists,' Naidu told the gathering. At the event, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami underlined the pivotal role of aviation in enhancing regional connectivity, enabling tourism, and supporting socio-economic development in the state. He appreciated the phenomenal growth in the aviation sector and highlighted the prime importance of ensuring safety in the aviation operations, including helicopter operations in the hilly terrain of the state for which 'the state government and the Ministry are deeply committed'. A series of presentations was made by the Ministry on opportunities for the states in the aviation sector. The plenary session provided an overall outlook emerging from the day-long conference, where Naidu outlined the Ministry's strategic priorities for the region, including the development of heliport infrastructure, expansion of UDAN routes, strengthening of Flying Training Organizations and MRO hubs, and creating synergies between the Centre, states and industry stakeholders. The Minister also reflected on key outcomes from the one-on-one meetings held between the Ministry and state delegations, and parallel sessions between state governments and aviation industry leaders, and assured all support from the Central Government in taking the aviation sector forward.


News18
28-04-2025
- Business
- News18
India's Aviation Boom: How Rising Passenger Traffic and Private Jet Growth Are Reshaping the Skies
From record-breaking air travel to the rise of luxury private jets, India's aviation sector is flying into a bold new era of growth and innovation. India's aviation industry is on the cusp of a transformative era — one that promises not just a surge in passenger numbers, but a complete reimagining of the way the nation flies. From bustling commercial airports to the expanding skies of private aviation, India's momentum is setting it apart as a global force to watch. Rikant Pittie, CEO and Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip, believes India's aviation sector is entering a defining phase in its history. 'With air passenger traffic projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 10 percent between 2023 and 2027 — even outpacing China by 2026 — the country is poised to become the world's fastest-growing aviation market," shares Pittie. While China and the US will still be larger markets in absolute numbers, India's trajectory is especially remarkable because of its underlying drivers: a vast, upwardly mobile population and relatively low per capita air travel, suggesting vast untapped potential. Pittie also points out that the evolution isn't just about swelling numbers. 'From pilots training with AI-powered simulators and next-gen aircraft to infrastructure ramp-ups and fleet modernization, India is witnessing a holistic shift in how it approaches aviation," he notes. As a leading online travel platform, EaseMyTrip is not just observing this change but actively participating in it. 'The progress in the aviation and travel sectors is deeply interlinked — one fuels the other. We are encouraged to see how India is not just flying more, but flying smarter," he adds. 'In 2023, India recorded a 21% year-on-year increase in business jet movements, making it the busiest business aviation market in Asia," says Tekriwal. Driven by a booming economy, a growing base of high-net-worth individuals, and a preference for flexible travel options, the Indian business jet market — valued at approximately USD 650.5 million in 2024 — is projected to reach USD 1.14 billion by 2033, growing at a steady CAGR of 6.43%. This vibrant expansion, however, comes with its own set of challenges. A looming pilot shortage threatens to clip the industry's wings. India currently has about 12,000 pilots, but by 2030, it will need over 22,400 pilots — a staggering gap of approximately 10,900 pilots within the next six years. 'The shortage is particularly acute in the private aviation segment, where pilots require specialized training and adaptability for dynamic, non-scheduled operations," warns Tekriwal. Recognizing this critical need, both the government and industry players are taking proactive measures. Initiatives like the evaluation and rating of Flying Training Organizations (FTOs), plans to build dedicated pilot training airports, and the introduction of the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) are all steps aimed at streamlining pilot licensing and strengthening the talent pipeline. 'At JetSetGo, we recognize the strategic importance of cultivating a skilled pilot workforce to sustain and propel the growth of private aviation in India," says Tekriwal. 'We are investing in advanced training programs, emphasizing not only technical proficiency but also the soft skills essential for delivering exceptional service in private aviation." The Future: Flying Smarter, Flying Further India's aviation boom is no longer just a numbers game. It's about smarter technology, stronger infrastructure, enhanced human capital, and a shared vision of excellence. As Pittie articulates, today's pilots are being equipped with cutting-edge tools and training, positioning them as key architects of a safer, more sustainable aviation future. Similarly, Tekriwal envisions a future where India doesn't just meet its domestic aviation demand but also emerges as a global hub for aviation talent, setting benchmarks for the rest of the world. With a dynamic blend of market growth, policy innovation, and industry leadership, India's aviation journey has well and truly taken off — and the world is watching. First Published: