India Paves the Way for Regional Aviation Growth

India hosted the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in New Delhi, setting a new benchmark for regional collaboration on aviation safety, security, and sustainability. The two-day event culminated in the adoption of the ‘Delhi Declaration,’ an ambitious roadmap for the future of aviation in the Asia-Pacific region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also attended the event, proclaiming the adoption of the Declaration and applauding it as a significant step forward, underscoring India’s leadership in shaping the sector’s future.

“This conference and the adoption of the Delhi Declaration represent a significant step forward in advancing safety, security, and sustainability in the Asia Pacific civil aviation sector and highlights the spirit of cooperation that exists among the countries of this region,” said the Prime Minister. “This Declaration will advance our commitment to regional connectivity, innovation, and sustainable growth in aviation. We will implement this Declaration and reach new heights with collective strength. The Asia Pacific Region’s collaboration in increasing aviation connectivity and sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources among us will likely further enhance our strength. We will also need more investment in infrastructure, and it must remain a natural priority for all relevant countries. However, infrastructure alone will not suffice; a continuous process of skilled manpower and upgraded technology is crucial for development. We need to make air travel safe, affordable, and accessible to everyone. I am confident that this Declaration, our collective efforts, and our extensive experience will be very beneficial.”

The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), successfully hosted the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation (APMC) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The conference saw the participation of delegates from 29 countries, ministers and policymakers, and eight international organisations, including ICAO, which celebrated its 80 years of operations as part of the conference. The conference witnessed engaging discussions and presentations focused on shaping the future of aviation in the Asia-Pacific region.

“Bharat has shown a significant transformation in just one decade. Over these years, Bharat has evolved from being an aviation-exclusive country to an aviation-inclusive one. In this regard, we have taken several initiatives, made policy changes, and developed systems to achieve this. We are moving forward with the goal of creating a network of opportunities in this region—one that will drive economic growth, promote innovation, and strengthen peace and prosperity,” said the Prime Minister.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the Delhi Declaration as a significant step forward in advancing regional connectivity, innovation, and sustainable growth in aviation

Addressing the gathering, after inaugurating the conference, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said, “This conference comes at a pivotal time when India’s aviation industry is experiencing a significant transformation. As the third-largest domestic aviation market globally, India is positioning itself to become a major hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, cargo operations, and overall regional aviation. The ongoing development of new greenfield airports and the progressive policies like UDAN that encourage regional air connectivity are setting India on a path of sustained growth. We are proud to be at the forefront of initiatives that are helping to transform air travel in the Asia-Pacific region. Our vision is not only to fuel the growth of Indian civil aviation but to also play a pivotal role in the region’s aviation ecosystem.”

Naidu was nominated as Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation (APMC), with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, appointed as Vice Chairman. In his address, Naidu highlighted the Asia-Pacific region’s emergence as the largest aviation market by 2035, emphasising the need for strategic investments in infrastructure and collaboration to ensure sustainable growth.

The Prime Minister further added that the demand created by the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has led to the establishment of new airports in many small cities and hundreds of new routes; Bharat is set to become one of the most connected regions in the world in terms of air connectivity. “We are also making decisions to strengthen maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services. This is leading to the creation of high-skilled jobs. Bharat is moving forward with the goal of becoming a leading aviation hub by the end of this decade, with a $4 billion MRO industry. You are all familiar with innovations like multiport. This is a model of air transport that is enhancing ease of travel in cities. We are also preparing Bharat for advanced air mobility. Our aviation sector is greatly supporting our mission of women-led development. Nearly 15 per cent of pilots are women in Bharat, compared to a global average of just five per cent. Bharat has also implemented necessary advisories to make this sector more women-friendly, including return-towork policies for women and special leadership and mentorship programmes,” he added.

Minister Naidu also called for regional collaboration to enhance safety standards, air traffic management, and gender equality in aviation, noting India’s target to increase women’s participation in the sector to 25 per cent by 2025. He further informed that by 2035, the region is expected to account for over 40 per cent of global air traffic, with nearly 3.5 billion passengers traveling annually. He also showcased India’s success with its UDAN scheme, which has opened 583 new regional routes, making air travel accessible across underserved regions. He discussed India’s leadership in adopting modern technologies like Digi Yatra, advancements in Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, and fostering a robust drone ecosystem through initiatives like the Drone Didi Yojna. He also highlighted India’s progress with carbon-neutral airports and the nation’s ambitious goal to blend SAF with jet fuel for international flights.

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 growth is exemplified by Indian Airlines ordering more than 1,200 aircrafts in the last year alone. In addition, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) stands poised to revolutionise short to medium distance air travel, alleviating urban congestion and enhancing connectivity. The expanding collaboration between the public and private sectors signal a transformative era for Indian aviation, positioning it as a key driver of economic development and enhanced connectivity. 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.

By 2035, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to account for over 40 per cent of global air traffic, with nearly 3.5 billion passengers traveling annually

ICAO President Salvatore Sciacchitano also praised the region’s resilience, noting its recovery to pre-pandemic levels by early 2024. He stressed the importance of collaboration to ensure the sector’s sustainable growth and recognised the significance of the Delhi Declaration, symbolising a collective commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation in aviation. “Our primary focus is to continue to pursue high levels of safety and security. We must remain focused on enhancing these fundamental aspects of aviation, not allowing ourselves to become complacent when we consider the very positive statistics,” he added.

Also touching upon drones, Prime Minister Modi said, “Bharat has launched a very ambitious drone project in rural areas, especially in the agriculture sector. We have created a pool of trained drone pilots through the village-to-village ‘Drone Didi’ campaign. A new and unique feature of Bharat’s aviation sector is the Digi Yatra initiative. Many countries worship Lord Buddha. If we undertake a campaign to connect Buddhist pilgrimage sites across Asia, we can create a win-win model for the aviation sector in related countries, and travellers in general. We should make efforts in that direction. The Asia Pacific Region is now becoming a business hub. Executives or employees from around the world are coming to this region in large numbers. Naturally, some people have established offices here, leading to increased frequent travel. What common routes do these professionals frequently use? Can we re-route these routes with a comprehensive approach to better cater to their needs and make travel more convenient? I would like you to consider this direction as well, as the region’s development is assured, and the convenience for professionals will accelerate work progress. I am also aware of your concerns regarding cybersecurity and data security. While technology presents challenges, solutions also come from technology. We need to strengthen international collaboration, share technology and information openly, and thereby keep these systems secure. This Delhi Conference will reinforce our resolve to move forward with unity and shared purpose.

The Delhi Declaration sets a clear framework for continued growth, emphasising the need for sustainability, technological innovation, and workforce development in the aviation sector. With India leading the charge, the Asia-Pacific region is poised to become the world’s largest aviation market by 2035, underpinned by a collective commitment to safety, security, and sustainability.

India’s aviation sector is undergoing a major transformation, with India poised to become a leading hub for Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services, cargo operations, and regional aviation growth

The conference was marked by several key highlights, including a presentation by ICAO on the establishment of the Pacific Small Island Developing States Liaison Office, aimed at supporting smaller nations in addressing aviation challenges. Additionally, a ceremony was organised to commemorate the 80th anniversary of ICAO and the Chicago Convention, further highlighting the organisation’s role in shaping international aviation standards over the past eight decades. Along with Symposiums and seminars on a wide range of important subjects like Airspace Optimisation, Cyber Security, Net Zero Carbon Emission, a drone show also showcased India’s innovation might and cultural programmes as well to showcase India’s rich cultural heritage.

The conference welcomed delegates from countries such as Bhutan, Cambodia, China, Democratic Republic of Korea, Fiji, India, Japan, Lao PDR, Maldives, Nepal, Palau, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Island, Tonga, and Vietnam. President of ICAO along with Heads of Organisations Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), Airports Council International (ACI), International Air Transport Association (IATA), European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Transport Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC) and ICAO Council Representatives - Australia, Brazil, China, Republic of Korea, Singapore, Nigeria were also present along with Director Generals & Dy. Director Generals and equivalent of the Civil Aviation Authority - Cambodia, China, China (Hong Kong), China (Macao), Fiji, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Maldives, Nepal, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka. Thailand, Tonga coming over for the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference.