Wings India 2024 – Asia’s largest civil aviation event gets underway in Hyderabad

By R. Anil Kumar

Hyderabad, January 18. Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyothiraditya Scindia inaugurated the prestigious Wings India 2024 and Global Aviation Summit at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad.

The Airports Authority of India in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Ministry and FICCI has organised the four-day event.

The Wings India 2024 is being held with the main theme ‘Connecting India with the World in Amritkal’ and holds deliberations over the strategies and strategic framework for the future Aviation Sector of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Scindia stated the government’s resolve to support the multi-dimensional activities of the aviation sector for tapping the huge potential of the sector thus the growth of the country.

The Civil Aviation sector is the right sector to connect people to people, transform lives, and bring social and economic progress.

The civil aviation sector can bring the world truly one realising the “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam”, Scindia said.

The relentless progress and innovation that took place in the sector across the globe trickled down to other sectors. Stating that one job created in the sector is creating six more and leasing to new infrastructure and new airports.

India has been a shining star under the leadership of Narendra Modi in global civil aviation post-COVID season 467 thousand passengers per day.

Domestic traffic has grown by 57 percent and become the fifth-largest civil aviation market, Scindia said and added that passenger traffic will grow to 300 million (3 crore) by 2030.

The minister further said the country will have huge potential and preparing by creating capacities and simplifying procedures.

The sector can support 20 trillion economy in the country Mr Scindia said, and by 2030, the current 149 airports will be increased to 200 airports and water ports. Scindia further said two new greenfield airports will come up soon. 517 new lines have been operationalized. Stating about the future plans, he said every district will have an airport or airstrip in the country.

Stating that 15 percent of pilots are women in the country which is the highest in the world, the minister said a thousand Drone Didi will be trained in the next few months and create aviation infrastructure in rural areas.

Stating that the Indian Aviation sector witnessed the birth of airlines and multi-folded growth, He said for the first time an airline placed a purchase order of over a hundred aircraft.

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Gen V K Singh said the growth of civil aviation is contributing to global GDP besides India’s.

Stating that Drones will enter the sector in the coming days, he stressed the need for hassle-free comprehensive growth-oriented actions to be taken and for stakeholders to share innovations in aviation technology in the sector.

Earlier, FICCI chairman Remi Maillard said India is the leading growth engine for global civil aviation development during the coming years.

He said transformational development is taking place in the country. He said India has taken the lead in technological advances and innovation.

Earlier, Jyothiraditya Scindia released a Knowledge paper on Wings India, Udan 5.3 the next bidding round, on the occasion. Airbus- Air India exchanged the agreement to set up an aircraft training center at Gurgram. It is likely to train 5000 people in the next ten years.

He also digitally launched the GMR Aero School of Aviation. This edition of Wings India is showcasing an array of new-generation aircraft displays, allied aviation services, auxiliary unit industries, and advancements in the tourism sector.

The four-day Wings India 2024 will bring together various stakeholders and participants from all over the world from the aviation industry to promote collaboration, showcase innovations, and explore business opportunities.

The deliberations at the ministerial level and CEOs conference besides round tables and panel discussions will help chart out actions that align with national aspirations, fostering connectivity, growth, and innovation in the aviation sector till the year 2047.

The best of the aviation industry is on display including innovative aviation technology and aircraft machinery at the event. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. will be showcasing its indigenous civil platforms like the Hindustan-228 aircraft and the upgraded civil helicopter Dhruv in the exhibition.

Air India will unveil its Airbus A350, the first aircraft of its kind in the country while Boeing 777-9 will be on display for the first time in the country. Besides mesmerizing aerobatic display by the Sarang team of the Indian Air Force, over 25 aircraft of different sizes will be on display for the spectacular view at the venue.

About 1500 delegates from over 100 countries and about five thousand business representatives are expected to participate. Over one lakh visitors are likely to take part in the event. About 500 Business to Business meetings are also scheduled to be held during the event. Besides, 130 exhibitors and 15 Hospitality Chalets from across the globe are also taking part. The event will continue till the 21st of this month.