Seminar Report - Taking Stock

The India Aviation Outlook Summit 2008 offered a strategic platform to local and international stakeholders to discuss financial performance of the airline industry.

Capa, the centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, and Terrapinn, a Singapore-based company, brought together the think tanks of the aviation industry from across the globe at the two-day India Aviation Outlook Summit 2008 inaugurated on June 10 in the elegant precincts of JW Marriot in Juhu, Mumbai. The opening address was by the Executive Chairman, CAPA, Peter Harbison.

Initially conceptualised as India Low Cost Airline Symposium, organised in the past by the CAPA to cater to the Indian market, the event served as a strategic platform for local and international stakeholders—airlines, regulators, airport authorities, project developers, investors, financiers and aviation service providers—to discuss the financial performance of the airline industry. Focus was firmly on investments, regulatory policies and collaboration strategies necessary to contribute to the healthy growth of the Indian aviation industry and attain long term sustainability through decent financial growth.

Infusing fresh perspectives on new opportunities, policy changes and measures necessary to address the challenges ahead for the Indian aviation industry, panelists discussed key essentials required to build up profitable business models both for full service and low cost carriers. Broadly, the areas covered were:
• Regulatory developments and issues affecting India’s dynamic aviation market
• Evolving aviation business models in India including developing sustainable Low Cost Carriers.
• Creating an effective travel distribution strategy to increase market share
• Achieving ancillary revenue optimisation: an airline’s perspective
• Gaining insight into airport development in India
• Leveraging on new opportunities for international aviation players