India has taken a significant step towards strengthening its position in the global aerospace sector with the inauguration of the ‘International Aerospace Conference: Moving Towards Inclusive Global Value Chains.’ This prestigious event, jointly organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), was inaugurated by Shri Jyotiraditya M Scindia, the Union Minister for Civil Aviation & Steel. Held on September 1st and 2nd, 2023, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, this conference is a vital initiative within the G20 framework aimed at developing inclusive global value chains for global trade and investment.
India’s Aerospace Transformation
In his inaugural address, Minister Scindia highlighted the reasons why global aerospace industry players should consider India as a pivotal destination for their operations:
1. Development of Infrastructure: The Indian civil aviation sector has made remarkable progress, with the number of airports increasing from 74 to 148, including heliports and water aerodromes. The government is committed to further expanding this network to over two hundred airports within the next three to five years.
2. Aircraft Availability: India’s aircraft fleet has shown substantial growth. With approximately 700 aircraft in operation and nearly 1000 more on order, the nation’s aviation landscape is flourishing.
3. Ecosystem Development: The recent disinvestment of Air India has triggered a transformation within the civil aviation industry. This shift has impacted passengers, airports, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities, manufacturing, and cargo services. Notably, the massive aircraft orders placed by Air India and Indigo and the emergence of new players like Akasha exemplify the evolving dynamics of the Indian civil aviation sector.
4. Thrust on Regional Connectivity: The UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme has given rise to four new regional airlines in India, thereby strengthening the hub-and-connectivity network that has been a long-standing aspiration.
In terms of Gwalior’s aviation infrastructure, Minister Scindia assured that the new integrated domestic terminal of Gwalior Airport would be completed in a record-breaking fifteen months. He also pledged unwavering government support for the holistic growth of aerospace manufacturing in India.
Empowering India’s Civil Aviation Sector
Minister Scindia emphasized that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India seeks to be monumental in its approach rather than incremental. This philosophy extends to the civil aviation sector, which has witnessed various transformative initiatives:
- Liberalized Drone Policy: India’s liberalized drone policy has opened doors for innovation and development in the drone industry.
- Production Linked Incentive Scheme: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for drones and their components has incentivized domestic production and strengthened the country’s manufacturing capabilities.
- DigiYatra: The implementation of DigiYatra has enhanced passenger experiences by streamlining airport processes and offering a seamless journey.
- New MRO Guidelines: The introduction of new MRO guidelines has bolstered maintenance and repair operations in the aviation sector.
- Last Mile Connectivity: The introduction of helicopters for last-mile connectivity has made travel more accessible and convenient.
Conference Highlights
The International Aerospace Conference features panels of experts who will delve into various aspects of global value chains and how to make them inclusive. The conference’s five sessions encompass essential topics:
- Spawning Global Value Chains in Design & Robust Aerospace Manufacturing: Emphasis on the importance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in shaping global value chains.
- Integrated Global MRO Services: Discussions about integrating global maintenance, repair, and overhaul services in the aerospace industry.
- Women in Aviation: A fireside chat exploring the role of women in the aviation sector.
- Advanced Technologies in Aerospace & Air Mobility: Insight into how cutting-edge technologies are reshaping the aerospace and air mobility landscape and the changing skill sets required.
- Building Scale in Aerospace Manufacturing: Exploring strategies to enhance the scale of aerospace manufacturing.
Conclusion
The ‘International Aerospace Conference: Moving Towards Inclusive Global Value Chains’ marks a pivotal moment in India’s aerospace journey. With an expanding infrastructure, a burgeoning aviation ecosystem, and a commitment to technological advancements, India is positioning itself as a hub for global aerospace players. As this conference addresses key aspects of global value chains, it propels India further into the realm of aerospace excellence, strengthening its foothold in the international aviation sector. This event aligns with the nation’s aspirations to meet the challenges presented by the global supply chain while fostering inclusivity and innovation.