India is likely to emerge as the third largest aviation market by 2029. Dr. Rafael Echevarne, Director, Economics and Programme Development, Airports Council International (ACI) said this at the second day of India Aviation 2012 at Hyderabad today. Issues pertaining to shaping the Indian civil aviation’s future, impact of financial and airlines’ debt crises on aviation industry, ensuring affordable and sustainable connectivity for passengers and freight, were discussed at the business session on ‘Roadmap for Civil Aviation: Turbulence and Recovery’. 

Dr. Rafael Echevarne highlighted the growth trajectory of aviation in India during the last five years in which the country improved its rank from 101st in 2007 to 12th in 2010 in terms of airport maintenance, traffic handling and passenger facilities. In order to sustain this, India would require putting in place a regulatory framework that encourages investment, ensures safety and facilitates development of tourism. 

Emphasizing on restoring Indian Aviation competitiveness during his keynote address Tony Tyler, IATA’s Director General and CEO suggested that airlines purchases should be aligned with international principles. In addition he recommended infrastructure expansion, rationalization of airport charges, investment policies which enable 49% direct investment by foreign carriers. 

The groundwork done by the Ministry of Civil Aviation in consultation with the industry stakeholders towards a National Aviation Policy was appreciated by the industry captains. Mr. Amber Dubey, Director Aviation, KPMG, which is the knowledge partner of India Aviation 2012, said initiatives like formulating an Air Cargo Promotion Policy, proposal to set up a full-fledged aviation university, investments in MRO hubs are positive steps taken by the Government. He added there is urgent need to develop no-frill airports in tier 2 and 3 cities in keeping with the potential increase in air passengers in India. 

Dr. Nasim Zaidi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation released two Knowledge Reports on Indian Civil Aviation Industry titled ‘India: The Emerging Aviation Hub’ by KPMG and ‘Economic Benefits from Air Transport in India’ by Oxford Economics. Mr. Yap Ong Heng, Director General, Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, Mr. Umesh Kumar Baveja, Chairman, Regional Airport holdings International Ltd, Mr.Ilya Gutlin, Vice President SITA also spoke. 

‘India Aviation-2012’, the 3rd edition of the premier international exhibition and conference on civil aviation was inaugurated by the Minister for Civil Aviation Ch. Ajit Singh at Hyderabad yesterday. Aiming to showcase and share with the stakeholders growth opportunities in Indian aviation sector, the five day event would bring together senior Government officials, aviation business leaders, airlines, airport operators and regulators, air navigation service providers, aircraft component manufacturers and technology providers. The country pavilions from UK, France, USA, Russia, Belgium, New Zealand, Canada and several other countries and leading business and commercial aircraft manufacturers are on display. The event will witness over 25 aircrafts for static and flying display at the show. 

The Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri Jaipal Reddy, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri Kiran Kumar Reddy, Dr.Nasim Zaidi, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Kamaleshwar Prasad, Member, Postal Services Board, Shri R.V.Kanoria, President, FICCI and Dr. Dinesh Keskar, Chairman, FICCI Civil Aviation Committee participated in the inaugural. Ms. Elisabeth Dallo, head of International Cooperation, DGAC, France, Mr. Peter Burleigh, Charged’ Affaires, US Mission in India were also present to reinforce the cooperation of their respective countries. 

Reiterating the government’s commitment towards the development of the aviation sector despite the challenges faced due to rising fuel costs, fierce competition, infrastructure bottlenecks, Ch. Ajit Singh said that several initiatives have been taken in setting up new regulatory framework. The Minister said that the Government is planning to bring in Indian Navigation System Master Plan which includes significant investment in modernization of Communication Navigation Surveillance (CNS), Air Traffic Managements and Meteorological Equipment, Enhancing Manpower and Training Infrastructure and harmonization with global initiatives and regional air navigation plans. India’s GPS aided Geo augmented Navigation system known as GAGAN Developed by AAI with the support of ISRO is also likely to be rolled out by 2013, he added. 

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