India is targeting its first indigenously manufactured civil aircraft within the next two years, Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said. He made the announcement at the 31st CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam on Thursday.
Addressing a special plenary session, Naidu said India’s civil aviation sector had become a model for the world. He also urged industry players and entrepreneurs to invest in aircraft manufacturing and related businesses.
India plans 100 new airports and 200 heliports by 2036
Naidu said India’s airport network had expanded significantly over the past decade. The country had 74 airports in 2014, compared with 166 currently.
He credited the UDAN scheme with making air travel more accessible. Consequently, annual passenger numbers have reached 25 crore, he said.
Under the second phase of UDAN, the government has allocated Rs 30,000 crore. The programme aims to develop another 100 airports and 200 modern heliports by 2036.
Naidu also highlighted technology initiatives improving passenger convenience. Digi Yatra has reduced airport entry time from 90 seconds to 20 seconds, he said.
Andhra Pradesh advances aviation and aerospace projects
The minister praised Andhra Pradesh’s progress in civil aviation under Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. He specifically highlighted the completion of Bhogapuram International Airport six months ahead of schedule.
The state government is also working to establish an Aerospace and Defence City near Lepakshi. The proposed location falls in Anantapur district.
Additionally, plans are being prepared for seaplane services connecting Prakasam Barrage, Srisailam and Hyderabad’s Hussain Sagar. These routes could expand regional connectivity through alternative aviation services.
Minister urges investment in aircraft manufacturing and MRO
Naidu called on industry players and young entrepreneurs to explore emerging aviation opportunities. He identified aircraft component manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) as potential investment areas.
He also highlighted drones and air taxis as emerging segments. Furthermore, he said the sector offered opportunities for businesses seeking to enter aviation manufacturing and services.
The plenary discussed expanding domestic air connectivity and increasing airport and airline capacity. Participants also examined ways to strengthen India’s international competitiveness.
The session included Vaibhav Vohra of Continental Carriers, Jodhbir Singh Sachdeva of KPMG and Anubhav Kumar of Boeing India and South Asia. Dr Abhay Pashilkar, Director of CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories, also participated.
India and Canada discuss civil aviation cooperation
Separately, Naidu met Canada’s Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, on the sidelines of the summit. He shared details of the meeting in a post on X.
The ministers discussed opportunities to deepen bilateral civil aviation cooperation. These included partnerships between Indian MSMEs and Canada’s aviation industry.
They also explored stronger air cargo connectivity to support bilateral trade. Aviation training and skill development formed part of the discussions.
