Indian flyers to double in 5 years, ambition to commercialise space flights: PM Modi | India News

NEW DELHI: India’s flyer footfall is projected to more than double from the current 24 crore to almost 50 crore annually by 2030, which is more than the population of many countries, PM Narendra Modi said Monday while showcasing the country’s aviation success story at the International Air Transport Association’s 81st AGM here.Modi also said India’s aviation ambitions included commercial space flights and integrating interplanetary journeys into civil aviation. While these will take time, the country is geared to make this a reality through its prowess in transformation and innovation, he said. PM Modi pointed out that India already had the most inclusive workforce in aviation with 15% of pilots being women, three times the global average of 5%. By 2047, the number of airports will expand to 350 – there are 162 currently in operation – while cargo is expected to increase from 3.5 to 10 million metric tonnes by the end of this decade.India set to become $4bn MRO hub by 2030, says PM Another potential feather in the aviation cap is India becoming a $4 billion maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub by 2030, PM Modi said.“India should not be viewed merely as an aviation market, but as a value-chain leader. From design to delivery, India is becoming an integral part of the global aviation supply chain,” Modi said, asking the aviation ecosystem to “not just make in India but also design in India”.“We are working on a futuristic roadmap to maximise India’s potential. In 2014, the country had 74 operational airports, which have now expanded to 162 and will increase to 350 in 2047. We are now the third largest aviation market globally. Our airlines have over 2,000 new aircraft on order,” he said.Hosted by IndiGo, the global event is being held in India after 42 years.India had 96 maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities in 2014, which has since increased to 154. This is attributed to 100% FDI under the automatic route, reduced GST and rationalised taxation. “India is more confident than ever before,” Modi said, spotlighting “big changes” the country had seen since the time last IATA AGM was held. “Today, India is emerging as a global leader in space-aviation convergence,” he said.“There are three foundational pillars driving India’s aviation sector: A vast market – not merely a collection of consumers but a reflection of India’s aspirational society. A strong demographic and talent pool where young innovators are pioneering breakthroughs in AI, robotics, and clean energy. And finally, an open and supportive policy ecosystem which will take aviation to unprecedented heights,” the PM said.The seamless Digi Yatra app for paperless domestic travel came in for special praise, with Modi urging other countries to adopt the same. “Digi Yatra stands as a secure and smart solution, serving as a model of inspiration for the Global South.”He also spoke about the work being done in the fields of sustainable aviation fuels, green technologies and reducing carbon footprint.“The new Indian Aircraft Act aligns aviation laws with global best practices, ensuring a streamlined regulatory framework, ease of compliance and a simplified tax structure which presents a significant investment opportunity for major international aviation companies,” he said.