Air travel now inclusive and affordable: PM Modi

Air travel made accessible: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted the transformative growth in India’s aviation sector, saying that air travel has become both inclusive and affordable. Thanks to the regional connectivity scheme, more individuals from smaller cities are now able to fly.

Addressing the second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation in the capital, PM Modi invited representatives from across Asia Pacific to learn from India's successful UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme. He advocated creating a "network of opportunities" in aviation throughout the region.

Air link for buddhism

With nearly 300 delegates from 29 countries present, PM Modi also proposed establishing an international Buddhist circuit facilitated by air connectivity to benefit regional nations and their people.

Stressing the need for a collaborative effort in shaping the future of aviation, Modi highlighted the significance of innovation and sustainable growth in the sector.

He pointed out that the burgeoning middle class and their increasing demand are key drivers of aviation growth. Indian airlines are expanding their fleets and routes, aiming to establish India as a global aviation hub.

Over the past decade, India's aviation sector has experienced remarkable expansion, becoming more accessible compared to the past when it was largely confined to a select few. The UDAN scheme has enabled 14 million people to fly, many of whom are experiencing air travel for the first time.

The goal of the scheme is to ensure air travel is "safe, affordable, and accessible to all," PM Modi said. He highlighted that India is becoming a pivotal player in the global aviation landscape and is working towards enhancing its air connectivity.

Modi also highlighted the potential benefits of linking Asia through the Buddhist circuit, proposing a comprehensive strategy for air routes in the Asia Pacific region, a notable business hub.

Focus on Skills

In addition to infrastructure investments, Modi stressed the importance of skilled personnel and advanced technology for further developing the aviation sector. 

He pointed out that the sector is creating highly skilled jobs and praised the leadership of women in aviation, noting that 15 per cent of Indian pilots are women, compared to the global average of 5 per cent.

Looking ahead, Modi expressed optimism about the future of advanced air mobility, including the potential for air taxis. He concluded the conference with the Delhi Declaration.

The two-day conference, which commenced on Wednesday, gathered transport and aviation ministers, regulatory bodies, and industry experts from across the Asia Pacific region.

(With PTI Inputs)