Asia’s largest civil aviation programme, Wings India 2024, began today, inaugurated by Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, Telangana.
The Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Airports Authority of India (AAI), and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) are coordinating this program in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to fulfill the flying aspirations of the common man. are doing. , The success of the previous edition has inspired collaborative efforts for this one.
The four-day event includes exhibitions, demonstration flights, static displays, media conferences, one-to-one business meetings and more. Around 1,500 delegates and 5,000 business visitors from 106 countries are expected to attend the event. Additionally, 500 B2G/B2B meetings are expected to take place.
Aerospace engineers, airlines, airport agencies, airport operators, civil aviation authorities, policy makers and government officials make up the delegate and visitor base. Special attention will be paid to the Global Ministerial Conference and the Global CEO Forum with discussions on the future of the industry.
The biggest example of India’s civil aviation industry’s ability to attract the biggest players for investment will be the Boeing India Engineering and Technology Center (BIETC) complex at the Aerospace Park in Devanahalli near Kempegowda International Airport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the new state-of-the-art center on January 19.
Built at an investment of Rs 1,600 crore, the 43-acre campus is Boeing’s largest investment outside the US.
development of wings india
The evolution of the Wings India program reflects the transformation of India’s aviation industry as a whole. What started as a dream to transform India’s regional connectivity in 2017 is now attracting the biggest players who want to be a part of India’s lucrative and rewarding aviation sector.
Wings India 2022 marked a transformational success that reshaped the aviation industry, showcasing technological advancements, potential collaborations and visionary vision, serving as a platform for industry leaders. The results of Wings India 2022 had a profound impact on the dynamics of the aviation sector.
Following the event, the industry experienced significant growth in sustainability, technology and upcoming trends. The global resonance of Wings India and similar events underlined the interdependence of the aviation sector.
This year, Wings India will mark an important moment in civil aviation, which has been contributing to the growth of the sector for decades. The event showcases cutting-edge technologies, hosts enlightening seminars and connects global aviation enthusiasts, leaders and innovators.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to showcase its indigenous civil platforms – Hindustan-228 aircraft and the upgraded Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv civil helicopter – at the upcoming event.
Additionally, US aerospace giant Boeing revealed on Friday that its new wide-body 777-9 jet will debut in India next week. The company said the latest member of its pioneering wide-body family will actively participate in the event. As announced by Boeing, the 777-9 flight test airplane is scheduled to land in Hyderabad on January 16 and the wings will be on static display for visitors from January 18-19.
India’s emerging aviation industry
The Indian aviation sector ranks as the third largest domestic market in the world, trailing only the US and China. The Mumbai to Delhi route is now the third busiest route globally. According to India’s Center for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA), by the fiscal year ending March 2023, the industry is expected to serve nearly 200 million passengers. Currently, there are 140 operational airports in India, and the government aims to add 200 more in the next five years.
Driving this unprecedented growth is India’s aspirational middle class, which is experiencing rising incomes along with regulation reforms, which have unleashed entrepreneurial energy. Visionary policy actions aimed at inclusive growth through universal air connectivity have also played an important role. The cumulative effect of these synergistic forces over the past decade has been revolutionary.
The industry underwent a significant transformation from 2013–14 onwards, which included reforms such as removing price caps, promoting competitive dynamics and more affordable flight options. Relaxation in ownership rules empowered low-cost carriers like IndiGo, SpiceJet and GoAir to revolutionize the sector. These changes, along with initiatives such as liberalization of international operations and the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme, have led India’s civil aviation to become one of the fastest growing sectors. Passenger traffic increased from 60 million in 2010 to a projected 400 million by 2027.
government initiative
In 2023, the government committed to spend ₹980 billion ($11.88 billion) by 2025 to enhance regional connectivity through construction of new airports and modernization of existing airports. The focus has been on developing state-of-the-art and sustainable airport infrastructure along with expansion of the aviation sector.
Across the country, thousands of acres of land are being allocated for integrated maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) clusters, which aim to service more than 500 aircraft locally by 2040. Greenfield projects like Jewar and Navi Mumbai international airports are underway to reduce congestion in Delhi. Mumbai is promoting industrial development in its surrounding areas.
Major airports are investing in additional runways and expanded terminals, with the goal of quadrupling capacity to handle more than 100 flight movements per hour by 2030. Implementation of advanced air navigation technologies facilitating all-weather CAT III low visibility operations is in progress.
The expansion of airport infrastructure is not limited to major metropolitan areas. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the number of airports in India has doubled from 74 to 148 in nine years, with plans to reach at least 230 by 2030. The government has invested more than $11 billion in airports over the past decade, including an additional $15 billion promised by Aviation Minister Scindia.
Attracting the biggest and best
Globally, India’s aviation has attracted attention as the country has strengthened its position as a major player. This recognition not only brings economic benefits but also strengthens India’s global position.
Domestic companies Air India and IndiGo placed the largest orders in the history of civil aviation last year, putting the global industry on alert.
This year, orders will start coming in, with Air India highlighting that it will take delivery of a new aircraft every six days throughout 2024. In line with this, Air India will unveil the Airbus A350 (the first aircraft of its kind in India). ) and Boeing will showcase the Boeing 777X for the first time for the Indian market, leaving no stone unturned in the value it provides to the country’s aviation industry.
Companies like Boeing actively recognize India’s growth in the airline industry. The Boeing study estimates demand for 2,200 new aircraft over the next two decades, valued at about $320 billion. Airbus also forecasts an annual growth rate of more than 11% for the domestic market over the next 10 years, with the combined rate for domestic and international routes exceeding 10%.
create employment
The unprecedented growth of the aviation industry has also brought with it a large number of employment opportunities. According to MoCA, as of 2023 data, around 2,50,000 people were directly employed in the aviation and aeronautics manufacturing sector. This number is expected to increase to 3,50,000 by 2024, and given the amount of activity, it is no surprise that the number is likely to increase. A study also estimated that the sector supports a total of 9.95 million jobs.
Development potential not only opens up job opportunities for skilled individuals but also contributes to the economic development of the country by promoting the establishment of vocational training and skill-building programs for the youth.
There is a need to enhance the readiness and skill development of the large anticipated workforce to meet operational demand. Initiatives that focus on enhancing the employability prospects of the workforce and building a strong training infrastructure at various locations in the country are necessary.
Addressing the infrastructure need, Boeing has inaugurated a state-of-the-art training center in Mumbai, providing access to a customized curriculum and advanced training support designed by Boeing experts.
Boeing has committed to invest $100 million in infrastructure and pilot training programs within the country over the next two decades. Upon implementation, this comprehensive system will create a skilled workforce, enhancing lives and livelihoods across India. To maintain public confidence amid expansion of operations, regulations are being continuously strengthened.
During Wings India 2020, Pratt & Whitney celebrated a significant milestone of conducting 10,000 student training days at its Hyderabad customer training center launched in 2015. This centre, out of three globally, offers exclusive DGCA and EASA Part 147 approved training programmes, which contribute to skills. Development in aviation sector of India.
In line with the ‘Skill India’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives of the Government of India, Pratt & Whitney has strategically invested in the Hyderabad Training Center since 2015 to nurture aerospace talent.
conclusion
Positioned as the largest civil aviation event in Asia, Wings India 2024 will firmly position India as a major player in the aviation industry. Attracting participants from across Asia and beyond, the event transcends regional boundaries, serving as a global platform for mutual understanding and cooperation.
Performing at Wings India offers aviation companies more than just high business performance; It provides an excellent opportunity to showcase new products and services to a global audience. Companies in the aviation sector thrive and gain recognition through this exposure.
The excitement around Wings India 2024 is palpable, as a preview event offers a glimpse of Asia’s largest aviation exhibition. This event has become just a demonstration; It serves as a catalyst for collaboration, creativity and strategic relationships.
Bringing together aviation enthusiasts, industry players and government officials, Wings India 2024 is set to be a watershed moment in India’s ongoing progress in the global aviation sector. The convergence of these stakeholders marks a turning point in the story of India’s role in global aviation.
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