Key investments and developments

• JSW Group Chairman Mr. Sajjan Jindal announced a Rs. 16,000 crore (US$ 1.9 billion) investment to develop a 1,600 MW power project in Salboni, West Bengal, along with plans to establish an industrial park and enhance infrastructure at Durgapur airport.
• Sarala Aviation, a Bengaluru-based startup, has unveiled its prototype air taxi, Shunya, designed for 20-30 km trips at speeds up to 250 kmph. Targeting launch by 2028, Shunya aims to combat traffic congestion and pollution. It accommodates six passengers, with plans to expand to other cities and introduce a free air ambulance service.
• Air Kerala, a new airline, has announced plans to launch its operations in June 2025, with its inaugural flight departing from Kannur International Airport.
• Air India Express has launched a daily direct flight service between Mangaluru International Airport and Delhi International Airport, significantly enhancing travel convenience for passengers. The inaugural flights transported 167 passengers to Mangaluru and 144 passengers from Mangaluru, both of which were celebrated with a water cannon salute. This new service is designed to benefit travelers and improve overall connectivity.
• Garuda Aerospace is poised to invest Rs. 100 crore (US$ 11.6 million) to develop a 'Drone City' in Orvakal village, Andhra Pradesh. This initiative is intended to enhance drone innovation, attract skilled talent, and position India as a leader in drone technology. The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with the Minister of Civil Aviation.
• Air India has established a codeshare partnership with Kenya Airways, enabling passengers to book combined journeys on a single ticket. This collaboration involves placing Air India’s 'AI' code on Kenya Airways' Nairobi-Mumbai flights and vice versa. The partnership aims to enhance travel options for passengers and strengthen Air India’s global presence.
• Air India Express has launched a daily direct flight service between Mangaluru International Airport and Delhi International Airport, significantly enhancing travel convenience for passengers. The inaugural flights transported 167 passengers to Mangaluru and 144 passengers from Mangaluru, both of which were celebrated with a water cannon salute. This new service is designed to benefit travellers and improve overall connectivity.
• On 16 August 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, approved the Airports Authority of India's proposal to develop a New Civil Enclave at Bagdogra Airport in Siliguri, West Bengal, at an estimated cost of Rs. 1549 crore (US$ 185.69 million), featuring a 70,390 sqm terminal designed for 3,000 Peak Hour Passengers and an annual capacity of 10 million passengers, along with a green building initiative to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.
• Magellan Aerospace and Aequs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to jointly develop an aircraft engine MRO facility in Belagavi, Karnataka, focusing on infrastructure development and cost efficiency to meet the growing demands of the civil and military aviation sectors in India.
• Adani Airports plans to invest US$ 7 billion in expanding its airport operations in India, focusing on improving its current portfolio and landside developments, as the country faces a significant aviation infrastructure gap with only 149 commercial airports for a population of 1.4 billion.
• Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)-UDAN, two water aerodromes have been established and commenced operations, enhancing connectivity in remote areas.
• FDI inflows in India’s air transport sector (including air freight) reached Rs. 37,074 crore (US$ 5.14 billion) between April 2000- December 2024.
• The Ministry of Civil Aviation is developing public-private partnership (PPP) modalities for the privatisation of 25 airports under the National Monetization Pipeline.
• As per the present FDI Policy, 100% FDI is permitted in scheduled Air Transport Service/Domestic Scheduled Passenger Airline (Automatic upto 49% and Government route beyond 49%). However, for NRIs 100% FDI is permitted under automatic route in Scheduled Air Transport Service/Domestic Scheduled Passenger Airline.
• In 2023, scheduled airline operators added 112 aircraft to their fleet, totaling 771 aircraft by December 31, 2023. New aircraft inductions aim to meet increasing air transport demand.
• Union Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia inaugurates Asia's largest aviation expo, Wings India 2024, unveiling the theme "Connecting India to the World in Amrit Kaal: Setting the Stage for India Civil Aviation @2047" and launches UDAN 5.3. The event highlights India's aviation prowess, emphasizing accessibility, availability, and affordability, with significant announcements fostering industry growth and collaboration.
• In May 2023, Union Civil Aviation Minister Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia said that there is a plan to invest Rs. 1 lakh crore (US$ 12 billion) in airports in the coming days.
• AAI and other Airport Developers have targeted a capital outlay of approximately Rs. 98,000 crore (US$ 12 billion) in the airport sector in the next five years.
• The number of PPP airports is likely to increase from five in 2014 to 24 in 2024.
• India’s aviation industry is expected to witness Rs. 35,000 crore (US$ 4.99 billion) investment in the next four years. The Indian Government is planning to invest US$ 1.83 billion for the development of airport infrastructure along with aviation navigation services by 2026.
• India aims to have 220 new airports by 2025, said, Mr. Jyotiraditya Scindia, Minister of Civil Aviation. Cargo flights for perishable food items will also be increased to 30% with 133 new flights in the coming years.
• In 2022, Mumbai International Airport Ltd (MIAL) raised US$ 750 million in debt in a private placement from a US-based private asset manager, Apollo Global.
• Adani Airport Holdings (AAHL) raised US$ 250 million in May 2022 for capital expenditure and for the development of six airports that it currently manages.
• In February 2022, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other airport developers set a capital outlay target of Rs. 91,000 crore (US$ 12.08 billion) for the development of the airport industry.
• AAI was planning to invest Rs. 25,000 crore (US$ 3.58 billion) in next the five years to augment facilities and infrastructure at airports.
• UK group to invest Rs. 950 crore (US$ 135.9 million) in Turbo Aviation's new airline TruStar.