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NDTV
5 hours ago
- Business
- NDTV
IATA 2025: India Projects Major Growth In Air Travel And Cargo
New Delhi: India hosted the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 81st Annual General Meeting at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. After a 42-year gap, the event returned to India with Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering the keynote address and positioning the country as a rising global leader in aviation and space-tech. Speaking at the event, PM Modi said India is emerging as a global leader in aviation and space convergence. He added that India is the third-largest domestic aviation market, serving 240 million passengers annually, expected to reach 500 million by 2030. He credited the UDAN scheme for helping over 15 million, many first-time flyers, afford air travel. Operational airports have grown from 74 in 2014 to 162 today. Indian airlines have ordered 2,000+ new aircraft, and the MRO sector now has 154 facilities. He cited three growth pillars: a large, growing market; a skilled young workforce in AI, robotics, and clean energy; and strong policy support including tax reforms and 100 per cent FDI in aviation. The Prime Minister also stressed India's commitment to sustainable flying through green fuel research and innovations like Digi Yatra, a facial recognition travel system. He noted India's inclusive aviation sector, with women making up 15 per cent of pilots and 86 per cent of cabin crew, well above global averages. Highlights Of IATA 2025 Leadership Transition At IATA Luis Gallego, CEO of International Airlines Group, took over as Chair of the IATA Board from Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo. His one-year term started after the AGM. Financial Outlook And Industry Challenges IATA forecasts global airline profits of $36 billion in 2025, up from $32.4 billion in 2024 but below the earlier $36.6 billion estimate. Challenges include trade tensions, aircraft delivery delays, and supply chain issues. Industry revenues are expected to hit $979 billion, with expenses at $913 billion. Sustainability And Innovation Initiatives The aviation industry reaffirmed its goal to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. That said, Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) will cover only 0.7 per cent of fuel needs in 2025, showing more efforts are needed. Enhanced Global Connectivity Air India and Air Mauritius expanded their codeshare partnership starting July 1, to improve travel links between India and Africa with better network integration. 2025 Diversity & Inclusion Award Winners IATA honoured Claudia Zapata-Cardone, Katherine Moloney, and Air Canada for their outstanding efforts in promoting diversity and inclusion in aviation. CFM RISE Program's Open Fan model One of the key highlights at IATA 2025 was CFM RISE (Revolutionary Innovation for Sustainable Engines) program's Open Fan Model. Aimed at developing the next generation of aircraft engines, the CFM RISE program's Open Fan model, built through a joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, promises a major leap in fuel efficiency. Here is what makes the CFM RISE Program special: Open Fan Design: The engine uses a unique open fan architecture, which reduces drag and increases efficiency. The fan blades are made of lightweight carbon-fibre composites. Green Compatibility: The core is being designed for compatibility with next-generation fuels, including unblended sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), as well as with hybrid electric systems. Global Testing: Over 250 tests have been completed worldwide. A model engine was recently wind tunnel-tested in France, and critical turbine components have been through 3,000+ test cycles. Reducing Non-CO2 Emissions: GE Aerospace is working with NASA to study contrails and non-CO2 emissions using advanced lidar technology. Flight Testing This Decade: Airbus and CFM will conduct flight tests later this decade to evaluate the engine in real-world conditions. India Calls The World To Invest PM Modi invited global companies to invest in India's aviation sector, highlighting plans for a $4 billion MRO hub and supportive policies at Gift City. He promoted India as a full-service aviation partner, from design and manufacturing to services and sustainability, urging leaders to 'Make in India' and 'Design in India.' The 82nd IATA AGM will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2026.
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First Post
2 days ago
- Business
- First Post
Indian flyers projected to double by 2030, says PM Modi
Speaking at the International Air Transport Association's 81st AGM in New Delhi, PM Modi said that the government is also planning to integrate commercial space flights and interplanetary journeys into the ambit of the country's aviation read more Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India's average number of flyers is projected to increase to almost 50 crore annually from the current 24 crore by 2030, a figure that is well over some countries' population. Speaking at the International Air Transport Association's 81st AGM in New Delhi, PM Modi said that the government is also planning to integrate commercial space flights and interplanetary journeys into the ambit of the country's aviation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The prime minister also highlighted that India boasts one of the most inclusive aviation workforces in the world, with women making up 15 per cent of the country's pilots, triple the global average of 5 per cent. Looking ahead, the number of operational airports is projected to rise from the current 162 to 350 by 2047. Additionally, air cargo volumes are expected to grow significantly, reaching 10 million metric tonnes by the end of this decade, up from 3.5 million. In five years, India is set to become a $4 billion maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) hub, PM Modi said, adding, '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.' '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 continued. Noting the success of DigiYatra, the system that makes travelling paperless, PM Modi said that other countries should adopt a similar mechanism, adding, 'Digi Yatra stands as a secure and smart solution, serving as a model of inspiration for the Global South.' '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 prime minister said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Indian flyers to double in 5 years, ambition to commercialise space flights: PM Modi
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.
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Business Standard
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Standard
India eyes $4 billion MRO hub status by 2030, PM Modi tells IATA meet
India plans to establish itself as a global Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub worth $4 billion by 2030, supported by an increase in the number of MRO facilities from 96 to 154, along with 100 per cent foreign direct investment (FDI), goods and services tax (GST) cuts, and regulatory reforms, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the International Air Transport Association's (IATA) 81st annual general meeting here on Monday. At present, the majority of Indian carriers' MRO business is outsourced to foreign destinations, as there are very few domestic facilities capable of handling nacelles, engines, auxiliary power units (APUs), and landing gear, according to aviation industry sources. Welcoming global aviation leaders as the IATA event returned to India after four decades, Modi highlighted the nation's rapid aviation growth. He said, 'Our airlines are growing at a double-digit rate. In India, 240 million passengers travel domestically and internationally per year. This number is expected to increase to 500 million passengers per year by 2030.' He pointed to India's expanding infrastructure, stating, 'Till 2014, there were 74 operational airports. Now, this number has increased to 162... This is just the beginning. India's aviation sector has to grow long and wide. These are not just statistics. They are a sign of the potential of India's future.' The UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme was launched in 2016 to make air travel affordable and accessible to people in smaller towns by improving regional connectivity. It benefits passengers through lower airfares on regional routes, while airlines receive financial support via viability gap funding and concessions such as reduced airport charges and tax breaks. The Prime Minister urged delegates to embrace technological innovation, specifically citing the Digi Yatra app: 'I would request all delegates to try to understand the Digi Yatra app, which has been developed to ensure paperless travel from the entry to the end point in an airport. This could come in use in other countries. This is a smart and secure model that could be of use to the Global South.' He described MRO as a sunrise sector, highlighting that India is accelerating efforts to become a global hub for aircraft maintenance. He noted that in 2014, India had '96 MRO facilities, which has now increased to 154, while 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route, GST reduction, and tax rationalisation measures have given fresh momentum to India's MRO sector'. He further outlined India's goal to establish 'a $4 billion MRO hub' by 2030, reinforcing the nation's aviation growth strategy. Modi stressed the need for innovation in manufacturing and design, urging the industry to focus on 'Design in India needed along with Make in India'. He reaffirmed India's commitment to green technologies, sustainable aviation fuels, and reducing carbon footprints. Legislative reforms were also highlighted: 'The new Indian Aircraft Act aligns aviation laws with global best practices, creating a simplified regulatory framework and significant investment opportunities.' On inclusivity, Modi noted, 'Over 15 per cent of pilots in India are women—three times the global average—and women make up 86 per cent of our cabin crew, well above the global norm.' He also recognised drones as transformative tools, 'being used to empower women's self-help groups, increasing their participation in agriculture, delivery services, and other sectors'. Looking ahead, Modi acknowledged the evolving future of aviation beyond Earth, stating, 'Today, we are standing at a juncture not based on surface. Today, humanity is looking to commercialise travel even on an interplanetary level. It is true that it will take time.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
The New Mandate: Why India's CIOs Are Driving Business, Not Just Tech
When Krishna Guha Roy took the stage at the ETCIO Annual Conclave 2025 in Goa, she first drew attention to the precise, process-driven world she represented. As Director – IT, South Asia Region at Nestlé, Roy has spent the last few years working within a company known for its operational rigor and deeply embedded processes. 'Nestlé, is a well-known Swiss company where quality is premium, processes well embedded,' she said. 'Talking digital in an organization like this had two parts: Talent and transformation.'The Conclave, now a staple in India's enterprise technology calendar, brought together CIOs, digital transformation leaders, and business executives to discuss the evolving role of IT in business strategy. Roy's remarks set the tone for a conversation that was not only about technology but also about leadership, organizational change, and boardroom dynamics required to enable it. From Back Office to Boardroom 'You cannot drive transformation without people,' Roy emphasized. Facing rising consumer expectations—'the consumer wanted the product in a few minutes'—her team restructured how technology was implemented. 'We brought in data engineers… innovation, design thinkers, UX specialists,' she said. The CIO's office, traditionally viewed as a support function, took on a more central, strategic role. 'It was also discipline,' Roy added, referencing structured programs around reskilling, design thinking, and even reverse mentoring to bridge generational digital gaps. This expanding influence of the CIO was a recurring theme throughout the Conclave. Where once IT leaders were tasked with system maintenance and vendor management, today they are expected to contribute directly to innovation, AI strategy, and ESG priorities. 'A CIO who can't speak strategy is invisible,' Roy remarked. That sentiment was echoed by Suresh Khadakbhavi, CEO of Digi Yatra, who offered a pragmatic view on influencing decision-makers. 'Play on the primal instincts—fear,' he quipped, before turning serious. 'The board looks forward to protecting the future. Put your views in alignment. Every individual board member is a different persona—risk averse or innovation friendly. Get your prep done.' Tech Investment as Strategic Leverage For many organizations, technology investment is no longer a cost center but a lever for competitive advantage. 'With diverse businesses, the CIO role is the most critical,' said Sanjeev Rastogi, CEO of GCC at Adani Group. 'How effectively we spend on each of the assets… An important factor is how you also protect and connect and manage cost per unit.' But influence alone doesn't drive change. Execution remains a core challenge. Neethan Chopra, CDIO, IndiGo, underscored the importance of filtering innovation through structured experimentation. 'The funnel approach really works. Top of the funnel innovation I say yes to not miss game-changing tech… Get it in the hands of customers and employees. Let that act as a filter before you take to the board for scale.' Data, Mergers, and Intelligent Scale Even in high-stakes environments like aviation, the CIO's role in transformation is increasingly visible. Dr. Satya Ramaswamy, CDTO at Air India, described the complexity of integrating the Air India and Vistara platforms: 'There were 140+ apps across the board in combined landscape, 300 aircraft, 30k+ employees brought together, 270,000 Vistara reservations brought seamlessly into Air India. In the global aviation industry, a smooth merger is being talked about.' Across sectors, data remains both an asset and a vulnerability. 'The cost of hoarding data is greater than the risk of sharing it wisely,' said Vishal Gupta, Head of Business Transformation and Digital at Godrej Consumer Products. But data democratization, he warned, requires discipline: 'Democratization of bad data is worse than no democratization at all. First, have a well-governed, centralized platform—a single source of truth.' For Pramod Mundhra, President & CIO at Havells, the opportunity lies in making technology less visible and more intuitive. 'The trick lies in removing friction. With GenAI, on-demand is more powerful. We are enabling our people to use more on-demand data.' A Redefined Mandate The takeaway from Goa was clear: The CIO's role is no longer confined to the back office. As expectations evolve and transformation accelerates, CIOs are rewriting the rules—not just for IT, but for the enterprise itself.
