Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that air travel has become inclusive and affordable with the regional connectivity scheme, highlighting the growth potential of the country's aviation sector, with more people traveling by air from smaller cities.
Modi also told representatives of Asia Pacific countries that they too could study the success of the scheme — UDAN — and pitched for creating a "network of opportunities" through aviation in the region. Addressing the second Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation here, attended by nearly 300 representatives from 29 countries, Modi also mooted the idea of an international Buddhist circuit through air connectivity that would benefit countries and people.
The prime minister stressed efforts to create an ecosystem of opportunity in the Asia Pacific region that would result in faster economic growth, inspire innovation, and fortify peace and prosperity.
"To shape the aviation future is our shared commitment," Modi said and highlighted the importance of innovation and sustainable growth.
This also was the driving force for the aviation sector that was growing middle class and the demand created by it, he said. Indian airlines are expanding their fleet and network, and initiatives are being taken to make the country a global aviation hub. The country's aviation sector had seen unprecedented growth during the last 10 years, and it had also become "inclusive" compared to the past when it was only exclusive to some people, he said.
Under the UDAN scheme, 14 million people have travelled and many of them have seen the inside of an aircraft for the first time, he said. The scheme has allowed the lower middle class to travel by air, he said and added that the aim is to make "air travel safe, affordable and accessible to all."
He declared, "One of the top civil aviation markets in the world is that of India," while stating that India has emerged as a strong pillar of the aviation ecosystem. India is all set to become one of the countries having maximum air connectivity and efforts are on to make it an aviation hub, he declared. Connectivity of the whole of Asia to the Buddhist circuit is a win-win model for countries and people, Modi said. He also suggested a comprehensive approach in respect to air routes taken by professionals in the Asia Pacific region, which is also a business hub.
Apart from infrastructure investments, he said, there is a need for skilled manpower and upgraded technology to develop the aviation sector. The sector provides jobs that are highly skilled, Modi said while underlining the women-led development of the aviation segment. In India, 15 per cent of the pilots are women, while the global average is 5 per cent, he noted.
Meanwhile, with growing travel demand, efforts are also being made towards the adoption of advanced air mobility. "The day is not far when travel by air taxi will be a reality, he said. The prime minister also declared the Delhi Declaration at the end of the two-day conference. The two-day conference, which began on Wednesday, has brought transport and aviation ministers, regulatory bodies, and industry experts from the Asia Pacific region together. It was attended by approximately 300 representatives from 29 countries in total.
