PM says aviation industry stands at a crucial take-off point
Prime Minister Narendra Modi says the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) industry has emerged as a sunrise sector with 154 MRO facilities in operations compared to 96 in 2014.
Modi further outlined India’s goal to establish a US$4 billion MRO hub by 2030, reinforcing the nation’s aviation growth strategy, and accelerated efforts to become a global hub for aircraft maintenance.
He pointed out that 100% FDI under the automatic route, GST reduction, and tax rationalization measures have given fresh momentum to India’s MRO sector https://www.nseindia.com/.
India’s role in the global aviation ecosystem, not only as a vast market but also as a symbol of policy leadership, innovation, and inclusive development https://www.makeinindia.com/home/.
The Prime Minister updated delegates about the aviation sector progress at the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the plenary session of World Air Transport Summit (WATS) in New Delhi on 2 June.
“Today, India is emerging as a global leader in space-aviation convergence,” he stressed.
He pointed out that the Indian civil aviation sector has witnessed historic advancements over the past decade, which are well recognized https://www.bseindia.com/.
He also noted the rapid pace of innovation and technological advancements, stating that as speed increases, distant destinations are becoming our destiny.
Underscoring that travel is no longer confined to cities on Earth, with increasing ambitions to commercialize space flights and interplanetary journeys, integrating them into civil aviation, PM Modi acknowledged that while such developments will take time, they highlight aviation’s future as a center of transformation and innovation, for which India is fully prepared.
The Prime Minister outlined three foundational pillars driving India’s aviation sector https://sbi.com.in/.
First, a vast market—not merely a collection of consumers but a reflection of India’s aspirational society;
Second, a strong demographic and talent pool—where young innovators are pioneering breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, robotics, and clean energy;
Third, an open and supportive policy ecosystem—enabling industrial growth.
PM Modi emphasized that with these strengths, India is poised to elevate its aviation sector to unprecedented heights.
The Prime Minister informed that India’s airlines continue to achieve double-digit growth, with 240 million passengers flying annually—surpassing the total population of most countries worldwide. This number is expected to reach 500 million passengers by 2030, he added.
Modi shared that 3.5 million metric tons of cargo are transported by air annually in India and this volume is set to increase to 10 million metric tons by the end of this decade.
Emphasizing that these figures are not just statistics but a reflection of India’s immense potential, the Prime Minister highlighted that India is actively working on a futuristic roadmap to maximize this potential.
He pointed to India’s investment in world-class airport infrastructure, which has been expanded to 162 airports today from 74 in 2014.
Modi further remarked that Indian carriers have placed orders for over 2,000 new aircraft, signaling rapid growth in the sector.
Stressing that this is just the beginning, as India’s aviation industry stands at a crucial take-off point, set to achieve unprecedented heights, he highlighted that this transformation will not only transcend geographical boundaries but will also drive sustainability, green mobility, and equitable access globally.
“India’s airports now have an annual handling capacity of 500 million passengers and is among the few nations setting new standards in user experience through technology,” exclaimed the Prime Minister, stating that equal priority is being given to safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
He also mentioned about India’s transition towards sustainable aviation fuels, investment in green technologies, and efforts to reduce carbon footprint.
Modi remarked that India is committed to ensuring both progress and environmental security, reinforcing a balanced approach to development.
Underlining that consistent reforms have been a key driver of India’s rapidly expanding aviation sector, the Prime Minister stressed on India’s commitment to becoming a global manufacturing hub, with strategic initiatives supporting this vision.
Mentioning that Mission Manufacturing was announced in this year’s budget, reinforcing India’s focus on industrial growth, Modi further highlighted the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, passed in Parliament this year, granting legal authority to the Cape Town Convention in India.
The Prime Minister remarked that this legislation opens new opportunities for global aircraft leasing companies in India. He also pointed to the incentives offered at Gift City, stating that these measures have made India an attractive destination for aircraft leasing.
“The new Indian Aircraft Act aligns aviation laws with global best practices, ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework, ease of compliance, and a simplified tax structure which presents a significant investment opportunity for major international aviation companies”, said Modi.
He highlighted that growth in the aviation sector translates to new flights, new jobs, and new possibilities, noting that the industry is creating expanding opportunities for pilots, crew members, engineers, and ground staff.
Stressing that India should not be viewed merely as an aviation market but as a value-chain leader, the Prime Minister said, from design to delivery, India is becoming an integral part of the global aviation supply chain.
He asserted that India’s direction and pace are on the right track, expressing confidence in the nation’s continued rapid progress. Modi urged aviation companies to not only embrace ‘Make in India’ but also ‘Design in India’, reinforcing the vision of India’s leadership in global aviation innovation.
The Prime Minister underlined that India’s aviation sector is strengthened by its inclusive model, with over 15% of pilots in India are women, which is three times the global average. He emphasized that while the global average of women in cabin crew is around 70%, India’s figure stands at 86%. Modi also remarked that women engineers in India’s MRO sector exceed global averages, demonstrating growing female participation in the industry.
Underscoring that drone technology is a key component of aviation’s future, and India is leveraging it for technological advancements as well as financial and social inclusion, the Prime Minister highlighted that drones are being used to empower women’s self-help groups, increasing their participation in agriculture, delivery services, and various other sectors.
“Aviation safety has always been India’s top priority. India has aligned its regulations with ICAO’s global standards”, exclaimed Modi, reinforcing India’s commitment to international best practices.
The Prime Minister stated that India consistently supports Open Skies and Global Connectivity. He reaffirmed India’s endorsement of the principles of the Chicago Convention, advocating for a more connected and accessible aviation network.
Modi urged stakeholders to work together in creating a future where air travel is accessible, affordable, and secure for all. He concluded by expressing confidence in the sector’s ability to develop new solutions to elevate aviation to greater heights and extended his best wishes to all the stakeholders.
The International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit (WATS) was held from 1-3 June. Fiinews.com
