In recent years, India’s civil aviation industry has transformed into the driving force behind the world’s civil aviation business. This is according to the estimates of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

In 2007, Asia-Pacific based airlines increased their passenger carrying capacity by 42% – a figure far higher than their North American and European counterparts. India and China are likely to control about 32% of world air traffic by 2010.

According to a survey conducted by the Airports Council International (ACI), the Indian civil aviation industry has doubled in the past four years and by 2010, the year of the Commonwealth Games, the figure will double again. The survey noted that the top six airports in terms of rise in passenger movements were all in India and China.

With a 20% growth rate in passenger traffic and 10% in cargo traffic, India is presently the world’s fastest growing aviation market. With passenger traffic expected to grow to 400 million by 2020, the demand for aircraft, airports, pilots, training institutes, ground-handling personnel etc. is also expected to increase. According to civil aviation minister Praful Patel, the country will need 1500 to 2000 passenger planes in 10 years, up from 260 now. The indicative potential for investors in this sector is massive.

The development in Indian infrastructure has been fast-paced in the past decade. With Government efforts and the allowance of private sector participation, new and modern airports are coming up all over the country. The Govt.’s recent decision to relax FDI rules in the aviation sector will further facilitate investments into the sector.

Indian aviation is making its mark on the global aviation scenario. While major carriers are increasing their flights to India, domestic airlines are expanding their worldwide networks. Air India’s application for becoming a member of the 19-member global airline club, Star Alliance, has been accepted.

The Indian civil aviation industry is truly an international hub of action and has invited the interest of major global players like Boeing, Airbus and Lufthansa particularly in the MRO market. With the current trends and momentum in air travel, Indian aviation is set to fly high.