India to become world’s 3rd largest aviation market

The Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu, at the inauguration of the 2nd Aero Expo India 2017 on Thursday, said that India is witnessing a high-growth trajectory and set to become the third-largest aviation market in the world in terms of passengers by 2026.

The Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, the Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Jayant Sinha and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

Naidu said that the aviation sector not only plays a key role in promoting connectivity and creating jobs but is also an important driver of the economy.

Naidu said that India became the world’s fastest growing domestic travel market for the 22nd time in a row and  recording a 26.6 per cent year-on-year growth in January 2017, according to IATA.

Naidu further said that while there is a downward trend in accidents, there cannot be any complacency and safety will have to remain the topmost priority of aviation authorities and experts.

The Vice President expressed his happiness on UDAN scheme seeks to promote regional connectivity by serving the un-served and under-served airports. Connecting Tier-II cities, pilgrim towns and historic places with the wider air routes is important for boosting tourism and business travel, he added.