Prime Minister Modi Advocates for Open Skies and Enhanced Global Air Connectivity at IATA AGM
ET BureauLast Updated: Jun 03, 2025, 03:06:00 PM IST
At the IATA AGM, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated India’s commitment to open skies, emphasizing the need for accessible and affordable air travel. He addressed concerns raised by Emirates regarding India’s foreign airline regulations and highlighted India’s aspirations to emerge as a global maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub by 2030.
This appeal follows remarks from Emirates President Tim Clark, who expressed serious concerns regarding India’s limitations on foreign airline operations. Clark indicated that such policies could adversely affect India’s economy in the long run, describing them as detrimental to economic growth.
His comments arise amid ongoing disputes over bilateral air rights between India and the UAE. Currently, Indian and UAE airlines can operate a combined total of 66,504 seats per week in each direction, based on a 2014 agreement, with Emirates operating 334 flights weekly between Dubai and India, having reached its allowed capacity. Indigo CEO Pieter Elbers has dismissed Clark’s criticisms, reinforcing the view that there are different perspectives on the issue.
Live Events
In a separate development, Modi emphasized the recent passage of the Protection of Interest in Aircraft Objects Bill, which implements the Cape Town Convention in India. He highlighted that this advancement will facilitate greater opportunities for international aircraft leasing companies in the Indian market. Modi noted that the new Indian Aircraft Act aligns the nation’s aviation regulations with global best practices, ensuring streamlined compliance and a simplified tax framework that presents significant investment potential for international aviation players.
The expansion of the aviation sector is anticipated to generate new job opportunities across various roles, from pilots to ground personnel. Notably, Modi pointed out the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector as a rapidly growing industry, with plans to establish India as a global center for aircraft maintenance. He set a target for India to develop a $4 billion MRO hub by 2030, which will be integral to the country’s aviation growth strategy.
Modi also articulated the vision of India being recognized not just as a major aviation market but as a significant contributor to the global aviation value chain, from design to delivery. He encouraged aviation companies to embrace both ‘Make in India’ and ‘Design in India’ strategies, underscoring India’s evolving role in aviation innovation.
Read More News on
Stories you might be interested in
Based on an article from economic times: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/transportation/airlines-/-aviation/pm-modi-bats-for-open-skies-global-air-connectivity-at-iata-agm/articleshow/121575561.cms
