India’s public and private airport developers have achieved 91 per cent of their combined capital expenditure target set for 2019-20 to 2024-25, according to the Economic Survey 2024-25 tabled in Parliament. The Airports Authority of India and private operators investing in major airports under the public-private partnership model had a capex target of Rs 910 billion, with 91 per cent completed by November 2024. This year, Noida and Navi Mumbai International Airports will become operational. India's airports handled 8 million metric tonnes of cargo in 2023-24. The UDAN scheme has expanded to 88 airports and 619 air routes, enhancing regional connectivity and affordable air travel.Contact: Ministry of Civil Aviation Website: www.civilaviation.gov.in Phone: 011-24604283AKSI Aerospace Partners with FIXAR for Drone Manufacturing in IndiaAKSI Aerospace Group and FIXAR Global have entered into a strategic agreement for licensed drone manufacturing in India, valued at up to Rs 850 million, announced during Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru. This collaboration strengthens India’s self-reliance in drone production, positioning the country as a global manufacturing hub. AKSI Aerospace will produce drones for both domestic and international markets, leveraging its expertise in indigenous development of drone subsystems, including navigation, propulsion, batteries, airframe composites, and imaging systems. By manufacturing these critical components in-house, AKSI reduces reliance on imports while ensuring secure, high-quality production. Contact: AKSI Aerospace GroupWebsite: www.aksiaerospace.comPhone: +91 93419 71308Email - business@aksiaerospace.com BLR Airport Launches India's first Aerial View Display SystemKempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (KIAB or BLR Airport) has introduced an advanced Aerial View Display (AVD) System to enhance operational efficiency and emergency response management on the airside. This system provides real-time, consolidated monitoring of all airside activities from the Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC), integrating flight movements, emergency coordination, and ground vehicle operations into a single, centralized dashboard. The AVD System is designed to improve safety and efficiency by offering a comprehensive overview of airside operations. It enables airport operators to monitor critical activities such as landings, take-offs, taxiing, and vehicle movement. By leveraging real-time data and a unified operational overview, the system enhances decision-making capabilities and improves capacity management.Contact: Kempegowda International Airport BengaluruWebsite: www.bengaluruairport.com Phone: 080-25223344Email - apdbangalore@aai.aeroAAI Allocates Rs 186 Mn for Trichy Airport ExpansionThe Airports Authority of India (AAI) has sanctioned Rs 186 million for constructing a compound wall to secure 96 per cent of the land acquired by the Tamil Nadu government for Trichy International Airport’s expansion. The project requires 512.5 acres, with 222.5 acres still to be acquired. Key upgrades include extending the runway from 8,136 feet to 13,057 feet and constructing a parallel taxiway to enhance aircraft movement. A new ATC tower and technical block, costing Rs 607 million, will be completed by May 2025. Trichy Airport has seen a 15 per cent increase in flight movements, with Air India Express launching new routes from March 2025.Contact: Airports Authority of India (AAI)Website: www.aai.aero Phone: 91-11-24632950 Email - cvoaai@aai.aeroIndia’s First Offshore Airport To Be Built Near MumbaiIndia’s first offshore airport, set to be built on an artificial island off Mumbai’s coast, has received environmental clearance. Inspired by Hong Kong and Osaka’s offshore airports, it will be located near the Vadhvan seaport, approximately 125 km from Mumbai’s existing airport. Feasibility studies, managed by the Airports Authority of India, will determine the required investment. The airport will connect to the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train corridor and key highways. Designed to enhance trade and connectivity, it will integrate with Navi Mumbai International Airport. However, ensuring sufficient passenger traffic and managing construction complexities remain major challenges for the project.Contact: Airports Authority of India (AAI)Website: www.aai.aero Phone: 91-11-24632950 Email - cvoaai@aai.aero