Recently, while inaugurating the 2nd Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, Union Civil Aviation Minister Rammohan Naidu highlighted that India’s domestic air passenger numbers have more than doubled over the past decade, with Indian airlines significantly expanding their fleets. The Minister informed that the government’s focus will be on three pillars of aviation: infrastructure, Integration, and Innovation. Infrastructure development plans include establishing new international airports and expanding major airports like those in Delhi, Kolkata, and Chennai.
Industry experts believe that both domestic and international air travel, along with related sectors such as Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and additions like Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft, is set to receive a major boost in the government’s 2025 plans. “We have already seen significant policy measures supporting MRO services, aircraft leasing, and indigenous manufacturing, including new MRO guidelines and the permitting of 100 per cent FDI through the automatic route in 2024. This will help the country move closer to becoming a major global aviation hub and create a more conducive business environment in aviation. It is also likely to attract more investments in the MRO sector,” says Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One.
In September 2024, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a circular outlining baseline airworthiness criteria for the type certification of VTOL aircraft, including its design, flight performance and flight crew interface.
“The circular is timely, as we have seen news reports of various global players planning air taxi services in India. It specifies the infrastructure requirements for vertiports and charging stations and provides guidelines for take-off and landing. This will help those manufacturers planning to launch trials in India by 2025. We can also expect more comprehensive guidelines from the regulatory body on commercial air taxi services next year,” adds Mr Mirchandani.
Among other trends anticipated to boost Indian aviation, new regional routes to underserved and unserved areas are likely under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN). “Again, it all depends on the government’s decisions, but there is considerable optimism given the Civil Aviation Ministry’s plans to integrate more helicopters, seaplanes and widebody aircraft into the UDAN scheme. We have also seen the entry of some new airlines in India, expected to launch services next year, which will further strengthen the air travel sector and increase the number of flights in our skies,” says Mr Mirchandani.
He believes another key area of advancement will be the shift toward sustainable practices. 29 countries, including India, have endorsed the Delhi Declaration at a Ministerial Conference in New Delhi in September, a significant step towards sustainable aviation in the Asia-Pacific. “Developing a skilled aviation workforce, integrating advanced air mobility technologies and prioritising sustainability will remain high on the government’s agenda,” concludes Mr Mirchandani.
