New Delhi: The director general of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), Willie Walsh, vouched for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aspiration of making India a global aviation leader. He said that with its impressive aspirations, India will turn into a global aviation hub.
Walsh made the statement at the closing press briefing at IATA’s 81st annual general meeting held in New Delhi’s Bharat Mandapam from June 1 to 3. The global gathering of aviation stakeholders was organised in India after 42 years. On the second day of the event, PM Modi delivered the keynote address to the global aviation leaders and shared his aspirations of making India a global aviation hub.
IATA DG Willie Walsh Reiterates PM Modi's Statement
On Wednesday, IATA DG Walsh also reiterated the PM’s statement and said that India’s aspirations are impressive, which will turn it into a hub for global aviation. He also hinted at the government’s will and support in that direction to make the aspiration turn into reality, while highlighting the potential growth factors that can help India in its journey.
“The PM emphasised on developing aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in India, which has a great opportunity in India. It has the labour and skill required to develop these facilities. We have had discussions about it with the civil aviation minister, and there is support from the PM as well. Their ambition is impressive, which will turn it into an aviation hub,” said Walsh.
While the IATA head called aviation stakeholders across the globe to execute more action on their part towards making aviation sustainable, it commended India for its focus on a cleaner future of aviation. He hinted at India’s government policies along with a young fleet of airlines as a positive indication for cleaner aviation.
“The civil aviation minister talked about the mandates of including sustainable aviation fuel starting from 2027 and then gradually expanding it. India has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the world, which makes it much more fuel efficient than other countries. India remains focused on playing its part in a sustainable future of aviation,” he added.
Walsh also mentioned that global aviation will not see a substitute for internal combustible engines for a few more decades, as introducing hydrogen fuel into aviation will need more time. He said that there are discussions happening with the airlines, but he does not see any possibility of any other source of fuel until 2040, due to which IATA is stressing on SAF.
