India to become aircraft maintenence hub

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Civil Aviation
30-March, 2017 17:17 IST
MRO Facilities for Aviation Sector

Adequate facilities for maintenance and repair of planes are available in the country. However, for overhaul, only limited facility is available. Therefore, operators are taking their planes to other countries for overhaul.

There are 110 Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO's) approved in India, of which only 7 are capable of carrying out overhaul of planes. To increase the business potential, employment generation and foreign exchange earning of the country, following provisions have been made in the Budget announcements for 2016-17:-

i) The tools and tool-kits used by the MRO have been exempted from Customs duty. The exemption shall be given on the basis of list the tools and tool kits certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) approved Quality Managers of aircraft maintenance organisations.

ii) MROs were required to provide proof of their requirements of parts, or orders from their client airlines. The process for the clearance of the parts has been brought in line with that of the tool kits for a one time certification by DGCA approved Quality Managers in MRO's.

iii) To enable economies of scale, the restriction of one year for utilization of duty free parts has been extended to three years.

iv) To allow import of unserviceable parts including aircraft components like engines and landing gears by MROs for providing exchange / advance exchange, the concerned notification has been revised to enable advance export of serviceable parts.

v) Foreign aircraft brought to India for MRO work will be allowed to stay for the entire period of maintenance or up to 6 months, whichever is lesser, provided it undertakes no commercial flights during the stay period. The aircraft may, however, carry passengers in the flights at the beginning and end of the stay period in India. For stay beyond 6 months, DGCA's permission will be required. However, with regard to spending by various airlines on MRO of aircraft in the country and percentage of expenses on MRO from abroad, no such record is maintained by this Ministry, as it is a financial matter of an airline, in which this Ministry does not interfere.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Civil Aviation
28-June, 2017 20:12 IST
Cabinet gives ‘in principle’ approval for disinvestment of Air India and five of its subsidiaries



The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its approval to fourth tranche recommendations of NITI Aayog on strategic disinvestment of CPSE (strategic disinvestment of Air India and five of its subsidiaries) based on the recommendations of Core Group of Secretaries on Disinvestment (CGD).


(i) ‘In principle’ approval for considering strategic disinvestment of Air India and five of its subsidiaries.


(ii) Constitution of an Air India-specific Alternative Mechanism headed by Minister of Finance including Minister for Civil Aviation and such other Minister(s) to guide the process on strategic disinvestment from time to time and decide the following:


a. Treatment of unsustainable debt of Air India;

b. Hiving off of certain assets to a shell company;

c. Demerger and strategic disinvestment of three profit-making subsidiaries;

d. The quantum of disinvestment; and

e. The universe of bidders.




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[Hindustani78]

Air India has a total debt of around ₹52,000 crore which comprises of ₹22,000 crore as aircraft loan and the rest as working capital loan and other liabilities. | Photo Credit: Reuters
http://www.thehindu.com/business/In...n-air-india/article19174390.ece?homepage=true
A day after Union Cabinet gave its nod for divestment of Air India, low-cost airline IndiGo formally evinced interest in buying a strategic stake in the national carrier, especially in its international operations.

“We have received an unsolicited expression of interest from IndiGo on (buying a stake in) Air India,” Civil Aviation Secretary R.N.Choubey told reporters here.

IndiGo's President and Whole-time Director Aditya Ghosh wrote a letter to Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Thursday saying it is interested in buying out the international operations of Air India.

“This shows the market views Air India as a tremendous value and potential,” Mr. Choubey said, adding that the national carrier’s stake sale will happen through a tender process. An IndiGo Spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.

“Kindly treat this letter as our expression of interest in acquiring the international airline operations of Air India and Air India Epxress,” Mr. Ghosh said in the letter dated June 29.

“Alternatively, we are equally interested in acquiring all of the airline operations of Air India and Air India Express,” the letter further stated.

Minister of State Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha said other private players, both domestic and international, have also approached the Centre informally to buy stakes in Air India. He, however, refused to divulge any names. “IndiGo is the first market player which has formally shown interest in Air India,” he said.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju said that the government will aim to make Air India an economically viable unit “which entails element of privatisation.”

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday gave an in-principle approval for divesting stakes in Air India. It formed a group under Finance Minister Arun Jaitley to decide upon the modalities of Air India’s stake sale.

 

[idune]

who give you this lolypop beta indian media ???????? seriously ? you have planes ? or market for foreign careers ?

1-American Airlines: 1,494 planes
2 - Delta: 1,280 planes
3-United Airlines: 1,264 planes
4-Southwest: 683 planes

5-FedEx Express: 634 planes
6-China Southern: 423 planes
7-Lufthansa: 401 planes
8-Air France: 381 planes
9-Air Canada: 354 planes
10-China Eastern Airlines: 349 planes

there are 5,193 commercial airplanes in the air in the world

andin india The fleet of eight scheduled airlines in the country have a total of 406 aircraft, most of which are suffering losses, Lok Sabha was informed.
While Air India and its subsidiaries jointly had a fleet of 137 planes, Jet and JetLite together have 113 aircraft. These two airlines were followed by IndiGo with a fleet of 72,

SpiceJet with 57 and GoAir 17, Minister of State for Civil Aviation K C Venugopal said.

that expose the fluff of indian fairy tale. Besides, indian aeronautical skill is renown - takes couple of decades to assemble a small aircraft.

 

[Hindustani78]

total strength now

Air India and its subsidiaries jointly had a fleet of 109

Jet and JetLite together have 115 aircraft

IndiGo 72

SpiceJet 34

GoAir 19
bus baat khatam or koi airline reh gai ho to batay please ? in 2013 india have 406 passenger planes and today 349 . mujhy please samjhay kesy ye mulk world number 1 market bany ga ??????????

Ministry of Civil Aviation
03-August, 2017 17:42 IST
Additional Parking Bay

The total number of civilian aircrafts in the country at present is 1623 (1312 aeroplanes and 311 helicopters). There is a requirement of additional 170 parking bays at Airport Authority of India (AAI) airports. AAI is constructing 130 parking bays and has requested state governments for land acquisition for taking up construction of rest of the parking bays.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

******

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Civil Aviation
20-July, 2017 19:10 IST
Disinvestment of Air India

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) in its meeting held on 28.06.2017 has given in-principle approval for considering strategic disinvestment of Air India and its five subsidiaries and constitution of Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism.;

To implement the decision of CCEA, appointment of Transaction Adviser, Legal Adviser and Asset Valuer shall be taken up as per terms and conditions and scope of work of Advisers/ Valuer in accordance with the model RFPs suggested by the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management.


The domestic market share of Air India for the FY 2016-17 is 14.2% and in the current FY the domestic Market Share of AI for the month of May 17 is 13.0%. The total debt of Air India Ltd as on 31st March 2017 is Rs 48,876.81 crores (Prov).The Net Loss of Air India(AI) during the last three Financial Years as per audited accounts is as follows:


Year Net Loss Financial assistance

(Rs. Crores) provided (Rs. Crores)

2015-16 3836.77 6000

2014-15 5859.91 5780

2013-14 6279.60 3300


To implement the CCEA decision, an Air India Specific Alternative Mechanism has been constituted which will decide the course of further action.

This information was given by the Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.



******

 

[Hindustani78]

inistry of Civil Aviation
01-August, 2017 17:42 IST
Revenue Earned By AIESL


Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL) is offering maintenance, repair and overhaul services to 3rd party customer i.e. Jet Airways, GoAir, Silk Air, Qatar, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Nepal Airlines etc. The details of revenue earned by AIESL during the last three years is as follows:-


(Rs. in crores)

2016-17 (Prov.)
652.78

2015-16
558.62

2014-15
242.57



This information was given by Minister of State for Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha today.

*****

 

[Hindustani78]

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati lighting the lamp at the launch of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Apprenticeship Programme, in New Delhi on August 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha is also seen.

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati launching the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Apprenticeship Programme, in New Delhi on August 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha is also seen.

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati releasing the publication at the launch of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Apprenticeship Programme, in New Delhi on August 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati at the launch of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Apprenticeship Programme, in New Delhi on August 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha is also seen.

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati addressing at the launch of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Apprenticeship Programme, in New Delhi on August 01, 2017. The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha addressing at the launch of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Apprenticeship Programme, in New Delhi on August 01, 2017. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

India has around 1091 registered aircrafts.


June 29, 2015

Indian Airlines has a fleet of 70 airplanes

Air Charter India is owned by the STIC Travel Group and has around 100 airplanes in India.

Deccan Aviation Ltd. It has 350 daily departures and covers 65 destinations in India.

Indigo has 120 daily departures and a fleet of 19 Airbus A320.

Paramount airways ts fleet comprises 5 aircrafts

Go Air Airlines It operates in 11 cities with 61 daily departures.

Kingfisher Airlines the airline covers 64 cities and has 484 daily departures.

Spice Jet is basically a low cost airline which incorporates many Boeing 737-800 airplanes in its fleet. It covers 14 destinations in India.

Air Sahara it comprise of 27 aircrafts

Jet Airways India's biggest private domestic airline with 62 aircrafts


As per the prediction of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, India in the coming decade will require 1,500 to 2,000 passenger aircrafts out of which 135 planes have already been added. It is also predicted that India's aircraft capacity will stand at 500-550.


Updated: January 14, 2014 14:45 IST
Military aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, which is piloting the national programme to develop a 70- to 100-seater made-in-India passenger plane for travel within the country, has kicked off the initiative with a global quest for a suitable engine for the plane.

Technical snags faced by A320 neo aircraft operated by IndiGo and GoAir pose a "safety issue", Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju has said, hoping that they would be addressed and sorted out.

At least eight A320 neo (new engine option) planes of IndiGo and two of GoAir have been grounded due to issues related to Pratt & Whitney engines that power these aircraft.

"Obviously, any failure is a safety issue. So the operating procedure we changed... What is attractive is fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency is one thing and risking life is another," Raju told PTI in an interview.

He was responding to a query on whether the engine issues were a safety concern.

IndiGo, which has A320 neo planes in its fleet of 136 aircraft, was forced to cancel many flights due to engine woes.

The aviation regulator DGCA asked the American engine maker to expedite the supply of spare engines to India.

On whether there could be harsher action with respect to the engine issues, Raju said some of the planes have been grounded because of regulations, implying that existing norms are strict.

"Why are they grounded that is because of the regulations. You don't want to take risks with life... Everybody is working on it (addressing the engine issues). As long as glitches don't massacre human beings it is okay. They will be addressed and sorted out," he noted.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directed IndiGo and GoAir, in February, to conduct inspections of the P&W engines once they complete 1,000 hours of flying, instead of 1,500 hours as recommended by the engine maker.

"What makes it (P&W engine) attractive?... We want to not risk lives and we also want fuel efficiency," Raju said.

P&W claims their neo engines are 16 per cent more fuel efficient than the earlier variant A320 ceo (current engine option).

Last month, IndiGo President Aditya Ghosh indicated that the airline could examine procuring aircraft with engines from a different manufacturer such as GE for 280 A320 neos it has ordered out of the total 430 planes.

Last month, IndiGo had said it would also look at GE engines for its planned 280 A320 neo planes.
The issues related to its A320 neos are due to two specific components of P&W engines wearing out faster than expected even as he assured it is not a safety issue, the airline's President Aditya Ghosh had said.

"Our engine supplier P&W is implementing some design changes and we believe those changes will be implemented over the next 12-18 months... We are right now focused on getting enough spare engines from P&W so that the operational headaches go away," he had told shareholders.

Apart from IndiGo and Go Air, Air India and Vistara have A320 neo aircraft but with engines from a different manufacturer.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/638850/air-india-may-renegotiate-contracts.html
Press Trust of India, Mumbai, Oct 22 2017, 16:14 IST

With the impending stake sale by the government, the carrier is aiming to trim costs as much as possible. file photo.


The loss-making Air India is likely to relook into some existing key contracts with its suppliers, including aircraft lessors and engine makers, as it seeks to trim costs ahead of stake sale by the government.

Air India chief Rajiv Bansal, who has been working on ways to improve the airline's on time performance (OTP) and prune costs on various fronts, has set up a task force comprising four teams to put together a strategy before engaging with vendors, according to a source.

"The task force for contract negotiations has been asked to identify team members to negotiate and right-spec key contracts with engine supplier GE, aircraft lessors, global (ticket) distribution system (GDS) and catering services providers," the source said.

Bansal, a senior IAS officer, took charge as the interim Chairman and Managing Director of the state-run airline in August.

Terming "cost consciousness" as one of the core areas for improving the financial health of the debt-ridden airline, Bansal had recently urged his workforce to ensure that not even a single 'paisa' is wasted for a better future.

According to the source, HR Jagannath, who is heading the airline's engineering subsidiary AIESL, will lead a team that will relook into the contracts with GE, while Air India's director for finance, Vinod Hejmadi, will head the team to negotiate with the aircraft lessors.

Air India's director for commercial, Pankaj Srivastava, has been mandated to rework contracts with the GDS provider; and general manager for catering, Rajneesh Bagga, to renegotiate contracts with catering firms, the source said.

"These teams have been asked to study the existing contracts, put together a strategy and push re-negotiations over the next six weeks," the source said.

Surviving on a ten-year bailout package amounting to Rs 30,231 crore which began from 2012, the airline is currently in the disinvestment process.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) gave its in-principle nod for the strategic disinvestment of the airline - which has a debt burden of more than Rs 50,000 crore - in June this year.

As per the provisional numbers announced by the government in July, Air India's net loss after tax narrowed to Rs 3,643 crore and operating profit rose to Rs 300 crore in the last financial year from Rs 105 crore in FY16.

 

[Hindustani78]

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu meeting Mohammed Abdullah al Gergawi, chairman of the executive office of UAE Vice-President Sheik Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum in Dubai. | Photo Credit: HANDOUT_E_MAIL.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...et-up-joint-working-group/article19902545.ece

Boost to investments in seaports, logistics sector
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday requested Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of the DP World, a global leader in maritime logistics business, to make investments in Andhra Pradesh.

In a meeting with Mr. Sulayem in Dubai, Mr. Naidu said the DP World Group could foray into the seaports and logistics sector as A.P. offered excellent opportunities for mutual growth.

The two sides set up a working group jointly led by A.P. Principal Secretary (infrastructure and investment) Ajay Jain and DP World Chief Financial Officer Yuvraj Narayan.

Prior to that, Mr. Naidu addressed a gathering of the Indian Business and Professional Council.

Mr. Naidu then called on Emirates Airline Senior Vice-President Adnan Kazim and Fly Dubai CEO Ghaith al Ghaith to whom he suggested to choose A.P. as an integrated logistics hub by availing themselves of the infrastructure being created to promote the civil aviation and aerospace sectors.

On Day-2 of his visit to Dubai, Mr. Naidu said A.P. took steps for the establishment of aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) and the two Dubai-based global airlines could explore the opportunities thereof.

He said A.P. was strategically positioned in South Asia and Amaravati, Tirupati and Visakhapatnam could be connected to Dubai.

These linkages would strengthen the ties between the State and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Mr. Kazim said Mr. Naidu had played an instrumental role in getting Emirates Airline to operate from Hyderabad in the unified State and promised to work on the proposals put forth by the CM.

Later, Mr. Naidu met UAE Minister of Economy and Federal Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansoori, who came forward to collaborate in IT and financial technologies. Mr. Mansoori said A.P.’s long coastline offered tremendous opportunities for players in the maritime and transport sectors, in which the UAE would like to become a partner.

Indian High Commissioner Navdeep Singh Suri and others were present in the deliberations.

 

[Hindustani78]

The carrier plans to salvage select aircraft engine parts under a profit-sharing arrangement, failing which they would be sold as scrap

By: PTI | New Delhi | Published:October 23, 2017 7:25 pm

http://indianexpress.com/article/in...craft-engine-parts-to-garner-revenue-4903143/

Air India has sought business proposals for the sale of scrapped aircraft engine parts, a move that may provide additional revenues for the disinvestment-bound national airline.

The carrier plans to salvage select engine parts under a profit-sharing arrangement, failing which they would be sold as scrap, as per a tender document. The proposal comes at a time when the government is working on the modalities for disinvestment to revive the debt-laden flagship carrier.

According to the document, the airline is seeking business models on a profit-sharing arrangement for possible salvaging of selected engine parts and generate revenue through sale and marketing of such salvaged parts. “In the event where there is no possibility of salvaging, the bidder will have to make arrangements to destroy/dispose of the same as metal scrap and offer maximum revenue value for such disposal sale at agreed rates and no cost to Air India Ltd,” it said.

Further, successful bidders will have to collect the material from respective sites as well as arrange for cross-country transportation, export clearance and repair.

Last month, Air India CMD Rajiv Bansal said the airline planned to vacate unused hangar space at some airports and sell the scrap lying there to cut costs. “There is a lot of unused material lying in hangars and unnecessarily we are holding on. So, we can get some money by selling the scrap and also save rentals by leaving the space,” he had said.

The flagship carrier has a debt burden of more than Rs 50,000 crore and is surviving on a Rs 30,000 crore bailout package extended by the previous UPA regime. The government has decided to go for strategic disinvestment of Air India and its five subsidiaries.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...hoax-caller/article19948825.ece?homepage=true

This is the first time that the government has asked the airlines to put a person on a ‘no-fly list’ that was made operational last month.

Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju on Monday asked all airlines to ban the hoax caller who disrupted a Mumbai-Delhi Jet Airways flight by giving a hijack theat.

“I am informed that person responsible for Jet flight 339 (Mum-Del) incident causing the landing at Ahmedabad today morning has been identified. I am advising the airlines to put him on the No-Fly list immediately, in addition to other statutory criminal action,” Mr. Raju said on Twitter.

This is the first time that the government has asked the airlines to put a person on a ‘no-fly list’ that was made operational last month. The passenger can face up to a lifetime ban from boarding flights for his unruly behaviour on board by both domestic and foreign airlines.

Jet Airways’ Mumbai-Delhi flight had to make an emergency landing at Ahmedabad airport on Monday after “detection of an on-board security threat.” A crew member found a printed note in Urdu and English threatening to blow up the plane mid-air unless it was diverted to Azad Kashmir.

The passenger, who has been identified and was travelling in the business class of the plane, had kept the note in the aircraft lavatory, sources said.

“Jet Airways flight 9W 339 of October 30, 2017, a Boeing 737-900 from Mumbai to Delhi, diverted to Ahmedabad following declaration of an emergency as per established security procedures, due to the detection of an onboard security threat. The aircraft landed without incident at Ahmedabad and was parked at a remote bay, where all 115 guests and 7 crew members were safely deplaned,” a Jet Airways statement said.

The flight had taken off from Mumbai at 2.55 am and after the note was discovered by the airline crew, the pilot informed the air traffic control and the plane was diverted and landed at Ahmedabad airport around 3.45 am.

The pilot pressed the hijack alert button, following which the plane made an emergency landing at the nearest airport, a Bureau of Civil Aviation Security official said.

PTI correspondent Rajkumar Leishemba, who was on board, said the flight was diverted to Ahmedabad citing “security reasons”. All the passengers deplaned and screened. They were photographed and questioned by security personnel on various details, including their last overseas visit, he said.

As per the DGCA regulations on the national no-fly list, passengers with “life-threatening behaviour” can face between a two years and a lifetime ban to board domestic and international flights.

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
02-November, 2017 15:42 IST
India set to become third-largest aviation market in the world: Vice President

Inaugurates 2nd Aero Expo India 2017

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that India is witnessing a high-growth trajectory and set to become the third-largest aviation market in the world in terms of passengers by 2026. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 2nd Aero Expo India 2017, here today. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.


The Vice President said that the aviation sector not only plays a key role in promoting connectivity and creating jobs but is also an important driver of the economy. He further said that the aviation is the backbone of the global transport system. It indeed is the most vital sector for linking businesses, bringing people together and promoting tourism worldwide, he added.


The Vice President said that India became the world’s fastest growing domestic travel market for the 22nd time in a row recording a 26.6 per cent year-on-year growth in January 2017, according to IATA. He further said that while there is a downward trend in accidents, there cannot be any complacency and safety will have to remain the topmost priority of aviation authorities and experts.


The Vice President expressed his happiness on UDAN scheme seeks to promote regional connectivity by serving the un-served and under-served airports. Connecting Tier-II cities, pilgrim towns and historic places with the wider air routes is important for boosting tourism and business travel, he added.


Following is the text of Vice President’s address:


“I am extremely pleased to inaugurate 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’ and extend a warm welcome to all participants and stakeholders from the aviation industry.


Friends, as you all know the aviation sector not only plays a key role in promoting connectivity and creating jobs but is also an important driver of the economy. As the backbone of the global transport system, it indeed is the most vital sector for linking businesses, bringing people together and promoting tourism worldwide.


According to International Air Transport Association (IATA), one per cent of the global GDP is expected to be spent on air transport in 2017, totaling $ 776 billion. IATA’s semi-annual report says that governments gain substantially from $ 124 billion of tax revenues this year and from over 69 million supply chain jobs.


I have mentioned the figures to underline the catalytic role aviation sector can play in driving the global economy.


In the coming years, India is expected to witness rapid growth in the aviation sector.


India became the world’s fastest growing domestic travel market for the 22nd time in a row recording a 26.6 per cent year-on-year growth in January 2017, according to IATA. India is witnessing a high-growth trajectory and set to become the third-largest aviation market in the world in terms of passengers by 2026. India’s air cargo is estimated to grow at 9 per cent over the next few years.


IATA also expects the air passengers to double from 3.8 billion air passengers in 2016 to 7.2 billion by 2035.


All this augurs well for India and its growing domestic passengers. In fact, India replaced Japan to become the largest domestic aviation market globally. India recorded a total of 100 million domestic flyers in 2016 as compared to 97 million people who travelled by air in Japan during the same period.


Recognizing the growing importance of the aviation sector, the Government has taken a series of measures to improve infrastructure and regional air connectivity in the country.


Apart from initiating new projects, the most crucial aspects that need special attention are safety and security. There cannot be any compromise on these two counts and the most stringent norms have to be adopted for ensuring safe and secure air travel.


The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has mentioned in its 2017 edition that accident statistics over the last five years in the world show a decrease in both the number of accidents as well as accident rate.


In 2016, the downward trend continued with 75 accidents reported, representing an 18 per cent decrease from 2015. It was mentioned that reduction in accident rate of 2.1 per million departures is the lowest ever.


While the downward trend in accidents is good news, there cannot be any complacency and safety will have to remain the topmost priority of aviation authorities and experts.


With increasing disposable incomes and a burgeoning middle class, air travel will witness further spurt in the years ahead. I am glad that UDAN scheme seeks to promote regional connectivity by serving the un-served and under-served airports. Connecting Tier-II cities, pilgrim towns and historic places with the wider air routes is important for boosting tourism and business travel.


Among others, developing no frills and Greenfield airports, augmenting existing capacities, creating synergy between scheduled and non-scheduled airlines for better penetration and connectivity through collaborative efforts of the State and Central Governments is needed.


I compliment the organizers of Aero Expo India 2017. I do hope there will be a good exchange of information and knowledge resulting in an all-round growth of aviation industry in India.


I am also glad to know that PHD Chamber has also introduced a first ever HELI EXPO INDIA this year to give a wider platform to helicopter industry and tap into its huge potential. In the coming years, the use of civil helicopters for various roles, including tourism, medical services, law enforcement and disaster management is expected to grow significantly.


I am sure India will soon emerge as an aviation hub not only in terms of increased air connectivity but also in terms of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and setting up of ancillary units.


THANK YOU! JAI HIND!”

***

 

[Hindustani78]

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu inaugurating the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati and the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu lighting the lamp at the inauguration of the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati and the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the inaugural function of the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati and the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu releasing the souvenir at the inaugural function of the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati and the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering at the inaugural function of the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017. The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati and the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering at the inaugural function of the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017.

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Shri Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati addressing the gathering at the inaugural function of the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017.

The Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Shri Jayant Sinha addressing the gathering at the inaugural function of the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu visiting the stalls at the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu visiting the stalls at the 2nd ‘Aero Expo India-2017’, in New Delhi on November 02, 2017.