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.

He emphasised that it is essential to increase the aviation ecosystem in the country. He also mentioned that the Central Government is making efforts to manufacture aircraft indigenously in India. The minister expressed gratitude to the Telangana Government for their support in organising the mega event in Hyderabad. Wings India 2026 is Asia’s largest civil aviation event, expected to attract over 3,000 business delegates from 20 countries. The event features international exhibitions, air shows, static aircraft displays, flying demonstrations, CEO roundtables, and an award ceremony. It will also include an aviation job fair.