Davos, Jan 23 (PTI) Highlighting potential of India to become a global aviation hub at Davos, Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu urged Airbus and Boeing to set up aircraft component manufacturing and MRO
facilities, as well as sought collaboration for expanding helicopter services in India.
During a series of engagements at the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting at Davos, the Civil Aviation Minister mentioned India’s vision to emerge as a global aviation hub by 2047.
India is the world’s third fastest-growing domestic aviation market, and the government aims to increase the number of airports to 350 by 2047 from 164 at present. To meet the rising air traffic demand, Indian carriers are also expanding their fleets, and nearly 1,700 planes are on order.
“Through strategic dialogues, policy presentations, and investor interactions, the minister highlighted India’s rapid aviation growth, reform-driven ecosystem, and commitment to sustainability and innovation,” the minister’s office said in a release on Friday.
In separate meetings with Airbus and Boeing executives at Davos, Naidu advocated for the establishment of aircraft component manufacturing and MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facilities in India.
The minister also sought collaboration to expand helicopter services for tourism, emergency medical services and regional connectivity, the release said.
Naidu, in his meeting with European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, emphasised the need for cooperation in sustainable and future-ready aviation.
Agreement on technical collaboration for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) as well as strengthening regulatory cooperation between the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on aviation safety, licensing standards, cybersecurity, and drone regulations were discussed.
During the minister’s engagements with executives of global technology firms, the focus was on the expansion of DigiYatra and AI-powered solutions for seamless passenger movement at airports and the use of AI to modernise air traffic management systems.
“At the India Pavilion, the minister showcased India’s aviation transformation through detailed graphics and presentations, drawing strong interest from global delegates,” the release said. PTI RAM BAL BAL
