The 3rd Edition of the IndiAirport 2024, organized by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI), was inaugurated on 26th Nov 2024 at the Yashobhoomi Convention Centre, New Delhi, marking a pivotal moment in the journey of India’s aviation sector. Bringing together a distinguished line-up of policymakers, industry leaders, and global stakeholders, the three-day conference and exhibition aims to showcase cutting-edge innovations, address sectoral challenges, and shape a robust roadmap for sustainable aviation growth.
In his keynote address, Guest of Honour Shri Piyush Srivastava, Senior Economic Advisor, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Govt. of India emphasized the sector’s integral role in realizing India’s constitutional ideals of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity. Highlighting the transformative impact of the aviation industry, he noted that India now ranks as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally. Mr. Srivastava spoke about the critical balance between economic growth and environmental sustainability, urging stakeholders to adopt greener technologies and sustainable operational practices. He praised India’s airports for their efforts in contributing positively to the environment, with several facilities already achieving net-positive contributions.
Special guest Dr. Sharad Kumar, Hon’ble Member (Operations), Airports Authority of India (AAI), emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships (PPP) in driving this growth. He highlighted the significant investments of over ₹91,000 crore channelled through PPP models since 2019 to modernize and expand airport infrastructure. These investments, Dr. Kumar said, have been pivotal in meeting growing passenger volumes and creating world-class facilities. He also stressed the need to adopt international technology transfers, particularly in air traffic management, and to develop indigenous capabilities to enhance India’s competitiveness in both civil and defence aviation.
The ambitious roadmap for India’s aviation sector was a central theme during the inaugural session. Mr. Sanjiv Edward, Chair, PHDCCI Civil Aviation Committee, outlined the government’s plan to invest ₹920 billion in airport infrastructure, aiming to increase the number of operational airports from the current 157 to 200 by 2025, with another 200 airports envisioned over the next two decades. This initiative, he said, is not just about increasing numbers but democratizing air travel and making it accessible to every Indian, particularly through transformative schemes like UDAN that have connected Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to major hubs.
In his address, Dr. Jatinder Singh, Deputy Secretary General, PHDCCI, reiterated the critical role of the conference as a platform for collaboration and innovation. He announced that a whitepaper would be released at the end of the conference, encapsulating key deliberations and actionable insights from the sessions.
Technology and sustainability were at the forefront of discussions. Speakers emphasized the transformative potential of AI-powered predictive analytics, blockchain, and biometric solutions like Digi Yatra to streamline operations and enhance passenger experiences. Electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) vehicles and drones were identified as key innovations poised to revolutionize urban mobility and logistics. The integration of these technologies, coupled with sustainable practices such as solar power adoption, energy-efficient infrastructure, and waste management, is seen as critical to building a future-ready aviation ecosystem.
The session featured insights from global stakeholders, including Ms. Miriam Schönrock, Head of Marketing, GATE, and Mr. Rocco Marcuccio, Project Coordinator, Air Tech Italy. Ms. Schönrock emphasized the importance of Indo-European collaborations in addressing challenges and accelerating progress in aviation technology. Mr. Marcuccio underscored the significance of global expertise in supporting India’s aviation ambitions, highlighting Airtech Italy’s role in fostering innovation through partnerships with 40 Italian companies.
The event also highlighted the inclusive growth of India’s aviation industry. Mr. Srivastava lauded India’s leadership in promoting gender equality, with Indian women accounting for a disproportionately large share of the global pilot workforce. He emphasized that the aviation sector embodies the ideals of liberty and accessibility, with expanding connectivity offering unprecedented opportunities for all Indians.
With over 50 exhibitors and participation from more than 200 delegates, IndiAirport 2024 provides an unparalleled platform for industry stakeholders to engage, innovate, and collaborate. The conference will explore a range of themes, including airport technology, ground handling, Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) innovations, and sustainability. The event will culminate in the release of a comprehensive whitepaper, offering actionable recommendations to guide India’s aviation sector toward a future of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability.