Message from President, BAOA

Dear Members,

As we chart the course for the future of business aviation in India, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members for their unwavering support and active participation in BAOA’s initiatives. Your engagement strengthens our collective voice, empowering us to drive transformative change for the industry.

At this crucial juncture, we are preparing a visionary roadmap to systematically address the bottlenecks hindering the optimal growth of the NSOP and general aviation sectors. This effort aligns with India’s broader vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047. The government has expressed concern over the sluggish growth of the small aircraft segment, particularly the stagnation in helicopter numbers. In response, our primary focus remains on policy advocacy and regulatory reforms to create a more enabling environment for sustainable expansion.

To achieve this, we continue to work closely with policymakers to streamline regulations, simplify taxation, and enhance operational efficiencies for NSOPs, helicopters, and general aviation. A key milestone in this journey has been the GST Council’s clarification on a five per cent GST rate for helicopter seats, a success achieved through BAOA’s persistent efforts over the past three years. Building on this momentum, we are now advocating for only two standardised GST slabs—five per cent and 12 per cent—for all AOC holders, and this matter is now being pursued at the highest levels of government. Additionally, we are actively working towards the rationalisation of the 2.5 per cent import duty on aircraft, fostering a more conducive environment for fleet expansion.

A crucial regulatory reform under discussion is the shift from arbitrary aircraft age limits to a focus on airworthiness standards for imports. This will enable the induction of well-maintained, cost-effective aircraft that meet the operational needs of the industry.

Pilot Availability & Training remains another critical priority. The shortage of type-rated pilots, particularly for small aircraft and helicopters, continues to pose challenges. We are in active dialogue with the government and key stakeholders to make pilot training more accessible and affordable, ensuring a robust talent pipeline to support industry growth.

Infrastructure development is another pillar of our advocacy. Enhancing business aviation infrastructure—including dedicated GA terminals, increased hangar capacity, and regional airport development—is essential for fostering industry growth. Additionally, we are striving to make MRO services within India more viable, reducing reliance on overseas maintenance and strengthening the domestic ecosystem.

Our upcoming Business Aviation Conference, BizAvIndia 2025, scheduled in six weeks, will be a pivotal platform to discuss these industry advancements. The insights and expertise of our members will be invaluable in shaping a progressive strategy for sustainable growth.

I urge all members to stay engaged, contribute their perspectives, and actively participate in BAOA’s initiatives. Together, we will propel India’s business aviation sector toward a dynamic and thriving future, reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic progress and regional connectivity.

I look forward to working closely with you all in the months ahead.

Happy Landings!

Jai Hind!