Ready for the Take-off

Year 2023 has been an exciting year for the Indian civil aviation industry. Fueled by a confluence of factors, the sector is witnessing an extraordinary surge in the country. The upswing is orchestrated by escalating air traffic demand, the ascent of a growing middle class with increasing incomes, the demographic dividend, and substantial orders exceeding 1,200 aircraft from various Indian carriers. This momentum is further accentuated by progressive enhancements in aviation infrastructure. Notably, Indian airlines have turned heads by placing orders for over 1,100 aircraft, slated for delivery in the upcoming years. At the Paris Air Show, Air India solidified its order for 250 Airbus aircraft and up to 290 new Boeing jets, while IndiGo placed a confirmed order for 500 Airbus A320 family aircraft. This marks a defining period for the industry, poised for significant growth and transformation.

Over the past three years, the Civil Aviation industry in India has undergone remarkable growth, solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country. India has ascended to become the world's third largest domestic aviation market and is anticipated to surpass the UK, claiming the spot as the third-largest air passenger market by 2024. This journey has been marked by significant achievements, overcoming challenges, and covering substantial ground to establish India as one of the most lucrative aviation markets globally. To unlock its full potential, the Indian government has devised a strategic roadmap aligned with the vision for the civil aviation sector in 2047, focusing on modernisation, future technologies, and last-mile connectivity.

WINGS INDIA 2024

Amid this upward trajectory, India's dedicated civil aviation event, 'Wings India 2024,' is set to return with the theme "Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for Indian Civil Aviation@2047."

Addressing the Curtain Raiser event for Wings India conducted earlier in 2023, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that the Government is giving special focus on creating capacity for the country's fast-growing aviation market, by changing its role from a regulator to a facilitator. The Minister also said that the government has adopted a 3-pronged strategy of creating capacities, removing bottlenecks, and simplifying processes, that has helped the sector to leap from 74 airports to 148 airports in the past nine years. Setting a target for the industry he added that the number of airports, heliports, and waterdromes will go up to more than 200 in the next three to four years.

Addressing the Curtain Raiser event, Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia said that the Government is giving special focus on creating capacity for the country's fast-growing aviation market, by changing its role from a regulator to a facilitator

Organised by the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India, Airport Authority of India (AAI), and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the event is scheduled to take place from January 18th to 21st, 2024, at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, India. Wings India 2024 promises to be a comprehensive affair, featuring an Inaugural Ceremony, Global Ministerial Conference, Global CEOs' Forum, B2B B2G Meetings, Awards Ceremony, Cultural Evening & Business Networking Dinner, Exhibition, Chalets, Demonstration flights, Static Display, Media Conferences, One-to-One Business Meetings, and more. The platform serves as an ideal space to showcase products and services to a targeted audience, attracting potential customers and generating leads. Participation provides valuable market intelligence, keeping exhibitors abreast of industry trends and insights.

Sharing his thoughts on the growing potential of the industry to become the world's leading aviation market by 2047, the Minister added "As India sails on its journey from the Amrit Kaal to Shatabdi Kaal (2047), Indian aviation will also transform from being the third largest domestic market/eighteenth largest international market/seventh largest domestic and international market, to become the largest aviation market globally". Reiterating the government's commitment to creating an international aviation hub in the country, he said a large number of air services and open skies agreements inked between India and other countries would facilitate this growth target.

Civil Aviation Secretary Rajiv Bansal in his address during the curtain raiser highlighted the growth in the small aircraft segment, "Newer airports are getting inaugurated under the UDAN Regional Connectivity Scheme and it will enable more people from tier-2 and tier-3 cities to come to the domestic aviation map. He said that the large order by Indian aviation companies indicates that this dream of creating international hubs in India will soon be a reality."

Why Attend Wings India 2024?

• Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and visionaries, fostering collaborations and partnerships that drive the aviation sector forward.
• Insights & Learning: Gain invaluable knowledge from thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and presentations, offering insights that shape the future of aviation.
• Exploring Opportunities: Discover new avenues, trends, and opportunities within various sectors of the aviation industry, positioning yourself at the forefront of innovation and growth.

Moreover, Wings India envisions serving as a powerful tool for brand building, enhancing reputation, and establishing thought leadership. The diverse attendee base, including customers, investors, and partners, opens avenues for meaningful discussions, deal negotiations, and partnerships. Importantly, the exhibition facilitates engagement with government entities, allowing discussions on policies, regulations, and potential collaborations. Some of the key highlights of the show include the airshow and static display, business deals and announcements, and an exhibition that will allow the exhibitors increased industry visibility, and opportunities to network and collaborate with key stakeholders. There will also be a Global Aviation Summit that will feature diverse and innovative deliberations through Roundtable Discussions; Panels and workshops; Air Cargo Revolution; and Advanced Air Mobility.

THE ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY CONFERENCE

A major highlight at this year's Wings India would be the Advanced Air Mobility Conference.

A 'first of its kind' event in India, it will be a dynamic platform for industry experts, innovators, policymakers, and influencers to convene and delve into the forefront of cutting-edge aviation technologies in India. Renowned speakers from top companies and organisations will offer insights, share experiences, and present groundbreaking developments, offering a thorough comprehension of the opportunities and challenges on the horizon in the Indian aviation landscape.

Autonomous aviation is poised to reshape the future workforce, usher in new industries, and revolutionise communities and lifestyles. It is crucial for stakeholders to anticipate these changes, optimising benefits while addressing potential drawbacks. India stands as a potential global hub for Advanced Air Mobility solutions. These range from electric VTOL (Vertical Take-Off & Landing) urban air taxis to hybrid-powered regional aircraft designs, promising to redefine aviation and open untapped markets in the decades ahead. India, with its vast potential, presents a fertile ground for the implementation of these cutting-edge technologies, offering solutions for regional connectivity between its burgeoning cities and addressing traffic congestion within urban centers. At the recently concluded Dubai Air Show, Bengaluru emerged as a potential launchpad for the future of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, as Eve Air Mobility and Hunch Mobility collaborated to introduce electric commuter flights to the Indian subcontinent. InterGlobe Enterprises, the parent company of IndiGo, has inked a deal with Archer Aviation to explore the introduction of eVTOL air taxi services in India.

Advanced Air Mobility has emerged as the frontier in the evolution of global civil aviation.This initiative during Wings India, aims to lay the groundwork for the imminent transformation of regional connectivity, the functioning of vertiports and airports, and access to finance for infrastructure among others. Situated in Hall C of the Wings India Exhibition, the Aviation Innovation Zone would be an opportunity for Advanced Air Mobility companies and startups to showcase their solutions whether for Regional Air Mobility or Urban Air Mobility.

The Advanced Air Mobility - India conference will also feature deliberations on the ecosystem under the following subheads:

• Revolutionising Transportation: The Future of eVTOLS in India - building a case for localised manufacturing
• Navigating the Skies: Air Traffic Management for Advanced Air Mobility - ensure total deconfliction with the uninvolved
• Regulating the Future: Policy, Economics and Legal Considerations around AAM and the need to develop an India CONOPS
• Keynote Addresses: India's Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation

Leaving the Covid blues behind, as India sets its sights on the ambitious goal of becoming the third-largest aviation market globally, even as a new variant looms, the spirit of anticipation is high as Wings India 2024 takes center stage. This is a clarion call to the global aviation industry to collaborate with India's domestic market. It is also a call to the domestic aviation industry to engage and collaborate with the world to strengthen aviation in India.