Wings India-2024 Soars with Deals, Innovation, and Growth Projections

By R. Anil Kumar

• Wings India 2024 was held with the main theme ‘Connecting India with the World in Amritkaal’

• International participation over strategies and strategic framework for the growing Aviation Sector

An Overview

Wings India 2024, Asia’s largest civil aviation event, witnessed an overwhelming participation. It brought together a galaxy of dignitaries including India’s Civil Aviation Minister Jyotindraditya Scindia,  aviation and transport ministers of various countries, transport ministers from some Indian states, government officials, global CEOs, business leaders and others.

The gathering also featured globally acclaimed Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like Boeing and Airbus, non-scheduled operators, helicopter Manufacturers, Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) companies, lessors, globally emerging advanced air mobility companies, startups, flying training organizations, and other relevant stakeholders. The event witnessed about 1,500 delegates from over 100 countries and about 5,000 business representatives participating in it.

The Airports Authority of India in collaboration with the Civil Aviation Ministry and FICCI had organised the four-day event held January 15 to 21. The theme of the event was ‘Connecting India with the World in Amritkaal’ and participants held deliberations over the strategies and strategic framework for the bright future of the Aviation Sector of the country.

From Akasa Air’s record-breaking Boeing order to Air India’s A350 debut and Airbus’ talent demand forecast, Wings India 2024 showcased India’s unstoppable ascent as a global aviation powerhouse.

The air crackled with excitement at Wings India 2024, Asia’s largest civil aviation event, as industry leaders inked deals, unveiled innovations, and painted a vibrant picture of India’s booming aviation future.

Orders Take Flight

Akasa Air, the young airline with big ambitions, placed a mammoth order for 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, propelling its fleet expansion and securing its place as a major player.

Air India, undergoing a transformative journey, announced a joint venture training facility with Airbus in Gurugram (Gurgaon), marking a commitment to upskilling its workforce and ensuring operational excellence.

New Wings Unveiled

The skies above Hyderabad gleamed as Air India’s first Airbus A350 was officially unveiled by Civil Aviation Minister Scindia, showcasing the airline’s modernization efforts and dedication to passenger comfort.

Passengers can expect a delightful on-board experience with Air India’s newly revealed amenity kits, cutlery, glassware, and upgraded in-flight entertainment system, the Tata-group owned company said.

Industry Partnerships Bloom

Mahindra Aerostructures and Airbus joined forces in a landmark deal, with Mahindra supplying nearly 5,000 metallic components for Airbus aircraft, strengthening India’s position in the global aviation supply chain.

Airbus, anticipating booming growth, projected a need for 2840 pilots, 41,000 technicians, and 47,000 additional maintenance engineers in India over the next two decades, signaling a golden age for careers in aviation.

South Asia takes Centre Stage

Boeing, which has the longest presence in India, predicted that India’s voracious appetite for air travel will require 2,700 new planes in the next 20 years, making South Asia the fastest-growing aviation market.

GMR Aero Technic, a leading MRO provider, teamed up with Airbus to launch an aviation school offering a specialized four-year aircraft maintenance engineer programme with integrated type training, ensuring a skilled workforce for future needs.

Digital Transformation Takes Off

GMR and IndiGo, aviation giants, combined forces to reshape the digital landscape of Indian aviation, promising efficient operations and seamless passenger experiences.

IndiGo, further expanding its network, announced new flights connecting Hyderabad and Bangkok, catering to the growing demand for international travel.

Sustainability takes Root

Maritime Energy Heli Air Services, embracing the future of green aviation, ordered 20 ZA600 hydrogen-electric engines from Zeroavia, paving the way for a cleaner and quieter sky. ATR, with its impressive recod in regional aircraft, was there to promote its machines.

And More

These are just a few of the many exciting developments that took place at Wings India 2024. With new airlines taking flight, partnerships blossoming, and innovation taking centre stage, the future of Indian aviation looks bright and full of possibilities.

The announcements

The first of the seven major announcements and developments on the first day of Wings India 2024 was the release of the joint knowledge paper on civil aviation by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and KPMG.

The others included the launch of the UDAN 5.3 scheme, the launch of the Airbus-Air India Training Centre, with the purchase of more aeroplanes and the setting up of a flight training centre in Gurugram with 10 flight simulators where 10,000 pilots would be trained in the coming years.

There were also the Airbus manufacturing contracts with TATA ASL and Mahindra Aerospace Structures Pvt Ltd to train more pilots. GMR and IndiGo signed a deal to develop sustainable aerospace training.

The inauguration of the GMR School of Aviation, and a deal announcement by Akasa Air with a triple order of 200 aircraft in 17 months, was one of the highlights during the event.

Awards and accolades

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia gave out the Wings India Awards 2024 at a function held in a hotel in Hyderabad.

The Bengaluru and Delhi Airports were adjudged the best airports of the year. The award was given jointly to them.

Vistara-Tata SIA Airlines Ltd bagged the Best Airline of the Year award. Air India was recognised for international connectivity, while Alliance Air was noted for regional connectivity.

Air India Express was declared a sustainability champion.

The GMR Group, which handles several airports across the country, was honoured as the Best Aviation Service Provider.

Skyways Air Services Pvt Ltd was recognised for cargo services, Indian Oil Skytanking Pvt Ltd for fuel services, and GMR for its aero academy.

Several other organisations were recognised at Wings India for their excellence in various fields.

Overwhelming response

There was an overwhelming response to the event with over 1,00,000 visitors taking part and about 500 schedule Business to Business meetings during during the show. Besides, 130 exhibitors and 15 Hospitality Chalets from across the globe were there.

The 2026 edition of Wings India is expected to be even more significant, promising to exceed all expectations.