Hyderabad’s skies buzzed with excitement as Wings India 2024, Asia’s largest aviation extravaganza, unfolded over four thrilling days. The grand event, themed “Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047,” showcased the latest in commercial, general, and business aviation. Union Minister for Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya M. Scindia inaugurated the summit at Begumpet Airport, bringing together the brightest minds and innovations in aviation.
Minister Scindia, during the inaugural address, highlighted the philosophy of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakum” – the world as one family, aligning perfectly with the objectives of civil aviation. He emphasized India’s role as a pivotal player in the global aviation landscape, underscoring the sector’s role in economic growth, social benefits, and connectivity. The aviation sector in India, he noted, stands tall on three pillars: Accessibility, Availability, and Affordability.
The event also marked the launch of UDAN 5.3, further strengthening India’s commitment to making flying accessible to the masses. Scindia pointed out the remarkable growth in domestic and international passengers, showcasing India’s under-tapped potential in the aviation market.
Looking ahead, Minister Scindia outlined the ambitious goal of supporting a USD 20 trillion economy by 2047 through comprehensive aviation infrastructure. This vision includes doubling the number of airports in the past nine years and launching 21 new Greenfield airports, 12 of which are already operational.
The minister also highlighted the success of the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS-UDAN), bringing air travel to the most remote corners of the country. With the operationalization of 76 airports and the transformation of World War II-era airstrips, UDAN is revolutionizing air travel in India.
The summit saw several major announcements, including the release of a knowledge paper on civil aviation by FICCI and KPMG, the inauguration of the GMR School of Aviation, and a significant deal by Akasa Air for 200 aircraft. These developments are set to propel India’s aviation sector into a new era of growth and accessibility.
Wings India 2024 not only showcased the latest in aviation but also reinforced India’s commitment to becoming a global aviation hub by 2047, marking a new chapter in the nation’s soaring aviation story.
