India's Ambitious Efforts to Become a Global Aviation Hub

Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu discussed plans to transform India into a global aviation hub, focusing on infrastructure, integration, and innovation. Addressing the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference, he highlighted the growth in domestic aviation, the expansion of operational airports, and initiatives for sustainable aviation fuel and indigenous aircraft manufacturing.

In a bid to catapult India into a global aviation hub, Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu on Wednesday revealed strategic initiatives aimed at bolstering the nation's aviation sector. Addressing the second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, Naidu emphasized the importance of infrastructure, integration, and innovation.

Naidu pointed out that India's domestic aviation market has seen remarkable growth, with the fleet size doubling and the number of domestic passengers more than doubling since 2014. He also highlighted the multiplication of operational airports from 74 to 157, with plans to increase this number to 350-400 by 2047.

The minister also underscored India's potential in offering cost-effective MRO services and the government's commitment to boosting indigenous aircraft production. Additionally, Naidu addressed environmental concerns, advocating for the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, with set targets for blending SAF with jet fuel by 2030.

(With inputs from agencies.)