Message from President, BAOA

Dear Members,

Despite the challenges posed by the recently concluded parliamentary elections, BAOA has persistently engaged with the government to address the industry’s pending issues related to General Aviation/Business Aviation (GA/BA).

We have once again raised the issue of itemised ground handling charges for NSOP/GA at all public airports, a crucial decision highlighted by the Civil Aviation Minister during the December 2023 meeting with BAOA and other industry representatives. Additionally, we are continuing our efforts to abolish the 2.5 per cent import duty on NSOP aircraft. Members should note that the original circular from 2009 included a sunset clause of fifteen years, offering an opportunity for this unjustified duty, that adversely affected the growth of GA/BA segment, to be discontinued after March 2024.

We plan to vigorously pursue this matter with the government and expect all members to support this effort in every possible way. This issue requires persistent attention and determination to achieve a favourable outcome.

Just before the conclusion of the parliamentary elections, a meeting was held on May 28, 2024 under the Chairmanship of the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation. This was a National Aviation Committee meeting of FICCI, where BAOA, as a permanent member, addressed important pending issues, including GST-related concerns, which need to be tackled within the new government’s 100-day action plan. The ongoing proposal for well-established regulations, ensuring prior scrutiny by taxation authorities, for fractional ownership in the NSOP/GA industry was finalised during a significant meeting with MoCA. We will now follow up for expedited implementation of these new guidelines. It is anticipated that our industry will experience accelerated growth once the fractional ownership model is fully implemented in India.

The first India Aviation Summit took place in Delhi on May 12th and 13th. We are looking for opportunities for a more focused and participative engagement for the second summit planned for later next year. In the first summit, BAOA played a leading role, with focused discussions on the GA/BA industry in India, in which BAOA members actively participated.

Members, we must continue our efforts with the new government with renewed energy to address our issues as quickly as possible. I request all members to keep providing valuable input to the Managing Director, BAOA, enabling us to present well-informed and thoroughly researched documents to the Ministry and other regulators to pursue our issues most objectively and forcefully.

My best wishes and happy landings!