The 5-day event aims to showcase growth opportunities in the Indian aviation sector.
India Aviation-2012, the 3rd edition of the premier international exhibition and conference on civil aviation, was inaugurated by Minister for Civil Aviation Ch. Ajit Singh, at Begumpet Airport, in Hyderabad, on Wednesday.
Aiming to showcase and share with stakeholders growth opportunities in the Indian aviation sector, the 5-day event will bring together senior government officials, aviation business leaders, airlines, airport operators and regulators, air navigation service providers, aircraft component manufacturers and technology providers.
On display are country pavilions from UK, France, USA, Russia, Belgium, New Zealand, Canada and other countries, and leading business and commercial aircraft manufacturers. The event will witness over 25 aircrafts for static and flying display.
Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas S Jaipal Reddy, Chief Minister N Kiran Kumar Reddy, Civil Aviation Secretary Dr. Nasim Zaidi, Postal Services Board member Kamaleshwar Prasad and FICCI President R V Kanoria participated in the inaugural.
Reiterating the government's commitment towards the development of the aviation sector despite the challenges faced due to rising fuel costs, fierce competition and infrastructure bottlenecks, Ch. Ajit Singh said that several initiatives have been taken in setting up a new regulatory framework.
He said that the government was planning to bring in an Indian Navigation System Master Plan, which includes significant investment in the modernization of Communication Navigation Surveillance (CNS), Air Traffic Managements and Meteorological Equipment, Enhancing Manpower and Training Infrastructure and harmonization with global initiatives and regional air navigation plans.
India's GPS-aided Geo Augmented Navigation system, known as GAGAN, developed by AAI with the support of ISRO, is also likely to be rolled out by 2013, he added.
Saying that the cargo handled at Indian airports has seen an impressive growth (CAGR) of 10.9% in the last 5 years, with international cargo accounting for two-thirds of the total, the minister said that an Air Cargo Promotion Policy was being formulated, which will be brought forward for consultation.
In order to attract foreign investors, the government is allowing 100% FDI in greenfield airports under the automatic route, he said.
An appropriate economic regulatory framework is also being worked out for future airports, to attract investment and ensure their viability, he added.
Ch. Ajit Singh said that the prospects for India being seen as a potential global hub for manufacturing and MRO business were very bright due to its strong engineering workforce, R&D expertise and its strategic location.
He said that an MRO facility, in partnership with Malaysian Aerospace Engineering, a subsidiary of the Malaysian Airlines System, has been set up at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport at Hyderabad.
Air India is also building an MRO facility with Boeing in Nagpur. In addition, Air India will also set up an MRO subsidiary soon. Airbus is also expected to make investments in an MRO.
Ch. Ajit Singh said that the Civil Aviation Ministry is working on a framework to modernise regulatory work for the aerospace sector, including its promotion. A Bilateral Aviation Safety Agreement (BASA) with FAA, USA, will boost the export of aeronautical products, he said.
The minister said that a full-fledged aviation university would be set up to bridge the shortage of skilled personnel in the sector. He foresees this project enhancing the supply of trained pilots and other skilled personnel.
Saying that the government was keen to set up a world-class training and education infrastructure in the country, he pointed out that the CAE Global Flying Training Institute at Gondia in Maharashtra, and the CAE Simulator Training Facilities at Bangalore, were excellent examples of such endeavors.
Petroleum Minister Jaipal Reddy and the Chief Minister highlighted the fact that the increasing competition in the aviation sector has brought aviation services to within the reach of people at large. They hoped that affordable air services would enable the Indian economy to achieve the objective of inclusive growth.
A postage stamp to mark the conclusion of the year-long centenary celebration of aviation in India, and a coffee table book showcasing the milestones of Indian aviation history, were released by the Civil Aviation Minister on the occasion. (INN)