India's aviation sector has witnessed phenomenal growth, evolving into one of the largest and most dynamic markets in the world. From the humble beginnings of civil aviation in 1911 to the privatization of Air India and the advent of low-cost carriers, the industry has experienced significant milestones. Today, with India hosting the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, the country stands at the forefront of global aviation innovation and growth. The government's initiatives, including the UDAN scheme, are reshaping regional connectivity, and rapid infrastructure expansion promises unprecedented growth. As aviation continues to rise as a key driver of economic development and innovation, India's aviation landscape is poised for an exciting future, marked by sustainability, collaboration, and technological advancements.
2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation
The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation is scheduled to be held from 11th to 12th September 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event is co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India. The first Ministerial Conference of the Asia Pacific region was organized in 2018 in Beijing, China. During the first conference, India volunteered to host the second Conference in 2020 however due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the conference was postponed.
Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation is being held against the background of the ever growing and evolving travel needs and requirements of the people living in the region. There is increased focus on exploring airport development and infrastructure that supports burgeoning airline growth with its challenges for the future. This event brings together top aviation decision makers and policy drivers from across the globe to discuss and deliberate on cooperation and coordinated approach going forward and is an ideal opportunity to identify new opportunities and forge new relationships in the aviation sector.
India is the fastest growing aviation market in the world and is currently the 3rd largest in the domestic segment. In the last decade, the number of aircraft in India has increased from 400 to more than 800 and airports have exponentially grown from 74 to 157. The government's ambitious initiatives like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) have enhanced regional connectivity, ensuring that even remote areas are integrated into the aviation network creating a robust ecosystem for unprecedented development.
The result is that the aviation sector is on a steep growth trajectory and has been one of the world leaders in surpassing the pre-covid levels of domestic and international travellers. This tremendous growth is exemplified by Indian Airlines ordering more than 1200 aircrafts in the last year alone.
History of Indian Aviation
Civil aviation in India took flight in 1911 with the inauguration of the first commercial flight between Allahabad and Naini. Spearheaded by J.R.D. Tata, Tata Airlines (now Air India) commenced operations in 1932, marking the onset of scheduled air services. Initially serving cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, the sector saw significant government involvement post-independence, leading to the nationalization of airlines and the formation of Air India and Indian Airlines. A pivotal moment in Indian aviation was marked by Sarla Thakral, who became the first woman to fly an aircraft and obtain a pilot's license.
India became a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on March 30, 1947, enabling participation in global aviation initiatives promoting safety, efficiency, and international collaboration. Over the years, the sector witnessed the emergence of private airlines post-liberalization in the 1990s, followed by the rise of low-cost carriers in the 2000s, revolutionizing air travel accessibility.
