Supported by policy reforms, digital licensing, and royalty waivers, Indian FTOs expanded training aircraft from 324 to 385 over two years, while CPL issuances reached a decade-high of 1,652 in 2025. Key highlights include IGRUA achieving a budget surplus after two decades and progress on the indigenous HANSA-3 (NG) trainer aircraft.

Aligned with Viksit Bharat and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, this expansion aims to support Indian airlines’ order book of 1,640 aircraft under the vision “Train in India, Fly in India,” with safety remaining the topmost priority.

The Minister explained that a strong aviation sector needs a complete and supportive ecosystem, not isolated efforts. He highlighted India’s young population and growing middle class as key drivers of aviation demand. While domestic aircraft manufacturing faced challenges in the past, he said India has made significant progress in recent years, and the global industry now sees the country as a credible manufacturing destination.

Shri Rammohan Naidu also stressed the government’s focus on regional connectivity. Under the UDAN scheme, nearly 100 airports have become operational, benefiting millions of passengers. A renewed phase of the programme aims to connect 120 destinations and serve about 40 million passengers over the next three years. To support future growth and the entry of new airlines, the government is standardising pilot training through a performance-based ranking system for flying schools to meet the expected demand for around 30,000 pilots.

Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Shri Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka echoed these views and said India’s shift from being a buyer to a creator in aerospace is already underway. He highlighted Hyderabad’s strong aerospace ecosystem, noting that beyond incentives, the region offers high productivity and expanding facilities in areas such as aircraft engine maintenance, manufacturing and drone technology. Both leaders emphasised the shared goal of building an Indian aviation industry that serves not only domestic needs but also competes successfully at the global level.