Recent press reports reveal an aggressive Indian government policy of modernising the aviation sector and moving to upgrade the nation’s airports and supporting infrastructure, and governing legislation on the back of the country’s continued economic boom.
Some observers have commented that the policy shift is ‘too little, too late’, wryly noting that spending on aviation projects by successive governments had dwindled over many years leading the industry into decay. Perhaps more optimistically it does signal a belated recognition by Indian authorities that increasing levels of income, together with increasing foreign trade and investment, as well as the success of low cost carriers (LCCs) in the country have all combined to make an overhaul of the country’s aviation sector a necessity.
In addition to extensive airport upgrading works now going on across the nation, the Government has also entered into agreements to construct new airports at several locations. In some instances, tight construction deadlines reflect the immense pressures that are now being exerted on India’s aviation industry. The Government has also been busy liaising with other governments in the region and examining best aviation regulatory practices which it plans to adopt.
Modernisation is being seen in all areas, from airport terminal, ground-handling operations and upgrading ATC services to major fleet rationalisation and upgrading. Recently, the amalgamation of two private airlines was announced and private business is keeping pace with the country’s broader economic success on many fronts. The nation’s carriers are expanding their passenger and cargo route networks, tapping the unmet demands of travelers and the business sector. Domestic LCCs are expanding their reach and this has not gone unnoticed by traditional regional carriers who continue to increase and expand the frequency of their services to numerous destinations in the country.
The footholds carved out by fledgling LCCs, now appear to have become entrenched, and the population fuelled by increasing wealth, is now, in unprecedented numbers, literally taking to the skies as air travel has now become more affordable to a greater percentage of people. There seems to be no end to this trend in sight and, like in so many western countries many years beforehand, it signals the beginning of a move to embrace fast and modern systems of transport.
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