India will soon become the world’s largest aviation hub, infrastructure is being strengthened rapidly: Ram Mohan Naidu
New Delhi:
In the NDTV Future Summit, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said big things about India’s aviation sector. He said that India can become a big international aviation hub in the coming days, just like Dubai is today. He told that at present India is in third place in the aviation market, but considering the rapidly increasing 10-15% growth rate, we can soon become number one.
He said that the government and private sector are working together, which will help in making India a major aviation hub. The record aircraft orders of companies like Air India and Indigo are a big step in this direction.
Focus on airport and infrastructure
The Union Minister said that in the last 10 years, a lot of work has been done on aviation infrastructure in India. Earlier there were 74 airports, now their number has increased to 159. He said that airlines also need to increase their services in line with this growing infrastructure. The government wants early delivery from aircraft manufacturers to meet the growing demand and ensure connectivity as well as affordable fares.
Emphasis on training of pilots and aviation professionals
Regarding the increasing need of professionals in the aviation sector, Ram Mohan Naidu said that the government is focusing on this also. He said that India currently has good training facilities, but after the arrival of 2000 new aircraft, a large number of skilled workforce will be required.
He told that the government is planning to open new training centers in collaboration with companies like Airbus and Boeing. Besides, work is also being done on a plan to develop small airports as Flight Training Organization (FTO).
Tremendous potential in India’s aviation sector
The Union Minister said that India is not only working for its aviation sector but also to increase its participation in the aviation workforce at the global level. He said that there is tremendous potential in India’s aviation sector and the government is taking every possible step to further strengthen it.