The Indian civil aviation sector is taking flight…

The civil aviation sector in India is on a high growth trajectory.

India is focused on developing its aviation infrastructure to augment and facilitate passenger and cargo movement, using sophisticated equipment and technologies. India has 125 airports; of these 11 are designated international airports. In 2004-05, Indian airports handled 60 million passengers and 1.3 million tonnes of cargo. The Indian civil aviation sector is witnessing double-digit growth, with the sector growing at 25-30% in 2005-06 and is expected to grow at 25% annually for the next five years.

Investments into the Indian aviation sector is expected to the tune of US$ 30 billion by 2012 and about US$ 50 billion by 2015. This investment will be required for airport modernization, fleet acquisition and setting up of MRO and other facilities, such as pilot training institutes etc

In 2006, domestic airlines alone ferried over 16 million passengers. Hence, the high growth in civil aviation sector is to be sustained, it would call for improvement of infrastructure facilities on several fronts. The projection for Indian Airports for 2020 is estimated at:

• 100 million passengers
• Including 60 million domestic passengers
• Cargo in the range of 3.4 million tones per annum

Growing fastest in Asia, in terms of flight operations, the rise in domestic capacity in October 2006 was 46%. The capacity in terms of international deployment increased by 14% in the same period.

This substantial rise is a direct effect of the low cost fares that have changed the face of the Indian civil aviation sector. In India, demand for low-cost travel has skyrocketed, with domestic flight operations in this segment showing an increase of 466%.

In light of this fast paced development of the Indian civil aviation industry, opportunities exist for airlines and organizations involved in airport infrastructure & management, passenger & cargo handling, and related services. The Indian government’s decision to allow private sector participation makes India a very attractive market and destination for airport equipment manufacturers and services providers from across the globe.

Civil Aviation Week - Airport & Airline 2007 EXPO (AA 07)
To tap this burgeoning aviation market, we are pleased to announce the launch of the Airport & Airline 2007 EXPO (AA 07), at Pragati Maidan during 26 – 28 March 2007. The Civil Aviation Week will be the most comprehensive event of its kind. The exhibition will feature cutting edge equipment and services for airports and airlines alike to highlight the progress being made in the Indian civil aviation sector and to bring out the numerous opportunities available to move forward.

The international conference focusing on “Opportunities and Challenges in the Civil Aviation Sector in India” will bring together government officials, investors, industry leaders and international experts to discuss the way forward for the industry. It will also be a valuable platform for organisations to introduce new products through in-depth presentations and network with buyers directly.