In a significant update to the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, revealed the remarkable pace of growth within India’s civil aviation sector. Highlighting the impressive expansion of the country’s aircraft fleet, the Minister underscored the sector’s monumental progress over recent years.
Minister Scindia commenced his address by drawing attention to the substantial evolution of India’s aviation fleet. From a modest count of 400 aircraft in 2014, the nation has witnessed an extraordinary surge, with the current fleet standing at nearly 644 aircraft—an impressive testament to India’s burgeoning aviation industry.
However, amidst this soaring growth, the Minister shed light on a pressing concern affecting a fraction of the fleet. Approximately 140 aircraft are presently grounded, primarily attributed to supply chain disruptions faced by engine supplier Pratt and Whitney. Minister Scindia clarified that an overwhelming 95% of these grounded aircraft are impacted due to challenges within Pratt and Whitney’s supply chain.
Expressing the government’s proactive approach toward resolving this issue, Minister Scindia emphasized direct engagement with Pratt and Whitney to address the situation urgently. He conveyed to the engine supplier the gravity of the matter, emphasizing that the current scenario is deemed unacceptable, especially given the exponential growth in air traffic within India.
Undeterred by the temporary setback, Minister Scindia reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to continuous expansion within the aviation sector. He revealed the encouraging trajectory of fleet expansion, noting an increase from 626 aircraft last year to the current count of 644. Looking ahead, he projected a promising rise in the fleet’s strength, estimating an augmentation to 686 aircraft by March 2024.
Highlighting the robust pace of fleet induction, the Minister forecasted the addition of approximately 2 to 5 aircraft per month, further underscoring the nation’s steadfast commitment to fostering the growth and modernization of its aviation infrastructure.
The Minister’s address to the Lok Sabha not only illuminated the extraordinary progress within India’s civil aviation sector but also underscored the challenges faced by the industry amid rapid expansion. The government’s proactive engagement with stakeholders and its unwavering focus on fostering growth and resolving impediments indicate a resolute commitment to propel India’s aviation sector to new heights.