As India’s economy experiences a surge, the civil aviation sector emerges as a pivotal force driving this growth. This projected momentum is intrinsically tied to the industry’s anticipated growth from $10.89 billion in 2023 to $12.55 billion by 2028, reflecting a CAGR of 2.87 per cent over the forecast period. Amid, this exciting trajectory in the air passenger and cargo growth, India’s civil aviation show, Wings India is back. The convergence of Government and Private Sector investments in infrastructure development becomes pivotal in sustaining this growth, propelled by rising household incomes, the emergence of low-cost carriers, increased FDI, and an expanding GDP. However, in the promising landscape, challenges arise demanding a strategic approach to navigate an array of obstacles. This issue looks back at the previous year for India’s commercial aviation and what to expect ahead in a report by Ayushee Chaudhary.

Air India’s developments have been among the most significant ones in shaping the landscape of the industry. Byron Bohlman looks at Air India’s transformation under TATA Group ownership. In addition to new aircraft orders, new facilities, cabin refurbishments, old aircraft replaced with B777-200s and-300s which now link Indian cities with a handful of American markets, the airline is expanding its intercontinental network, both eastward and westward. These new USA nonstops are just one part of Air India’s ambitious vision to build a truly global carrier and establish mega hubs at Delhi and/or Mumbai that link eastern and western hemispheres.

Ahead of Wings India, Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India talks to SP’s Aviation on Boeing’s role in the future of Indian Aviation. He shares some strategies, outlook, and contributions towards Make in India, and highlights Boeing’s upcoming Aerospace Park and more. Ryan Weir, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for India, Boeing Commercial Airplanes also talks about building Atmanirbharta in MRO sector in India and shares how Boeing is working with suppliers, industry, and leading MROs to help establish India as a regional hub for MRO.

Air Marshal Anil Chopra talks about addressing the imminent pilot shortage that poses a significant challenge for the aviation sector, necessitating innovative and proactive solutions for Pilot training and Pilot retention. Forecasts now project that demand for pilots will outstrip supply in most regions globally in 2024, and India has a great scope to become a very efficient flying training centre, he adds. In a related report, Rohit Goel shifts focus and highlights some key features of the Top Full Flight Simulators (FFS) for commercial and business aircraft available today from leading manufacturers across the globe.

The landscape of business aviation has also witnessed a significant global evolution, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic. Over the last decade, the industry in India has undergone substantial metamorphosis, finally garnering the critical recognition it deserves. Despite noteworthy shifts in perspectives, policies, and infrastructure; grappling with persistent financial challenges poses a significant impediment for the business aviation industry to realise its full potential. Ayushee Chaudhary analyses the potential of the Business Aviation industry in the country.

All this and more in this issue of SP’s Aviation. Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings!

Meet us at Hall C, Stall No. 30 at the Wings India 2024, show in Hyderabad.