Jyotiraditya Scindia unveils Air India Airbus A350 at Wings India 2024

During the Wings India 2024 event in Hyderabad, the Air India Airbus A350 was unveiled by Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia. Emphasising the government's ambitious goals, he stated the aim to elevate India to the position of the third-largest global market in both domestic and international civil aviation. According to the minister, India currently ranks as the 7th largest international aviation market and the 5th when combining domestic and international capacities. Expressing determination, he declared the government's resolution to transition from the fifth-largest to the third-largest in the world in both domestic and international civil aviation. Highlighting the significant developments in the civil aviation sector over the last decade, Minister Scindia remarked on the democratisation of the industry. Discussing the surge in domestic passenger traffic, he noted the impressive growth from 60 million to 145 million, with the previous year closing at 152 million. Pointing out India's substantial compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 15 percent over the past ten years, the minister projected a target of achieving a 300 million domestic aviation market by 2030, signifying a doubling from current levels. During the press conference, Minister Scindia also addressed Akasa's noteworthy order of 150 Boeing aircraft. Describing it as the first order signed on Indian soil, he provided additional context by mentioning the existing 22 aircraft in Akasa's fleet and the 54 awaiting delivery. He also highlighted the significance of international orders, specifically citing the orders placed by Air India and IndiGo with Airbus and Boeing for 500 and 470 aircraft, respectively.