Indian aviation needs to focus on investment in infra and skill development for future expansion: Eco Survey

"In the year 2023, a total of 1622 commercial pilot licenses were issued, of which 18 percent were issued to women," it said.

The Survey reviews how the economy performed in this fiscal year and the road ahead for the next year.

It highlighted that India's civil aviation sector has tremendous potential owing to growing demand, increased economic activity, tourism, higher disposable incomes, favourable demographics, and greater penetration of aviation infrastructure.

"Progressive government policies further support this growth momentum," the survey said.

The Survey highlighted that the government has approved 21 greenfield airports nationwide and operationalised new terminal buildings cater to the increasing passenger traffic in the last few years.

It also pointed out that promotion of the International Financial Services Centre at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) has facilitated aviation leasing and financing in the country.

"As of 31 March 2024, 27 entities have registered for the aircraft leasing businesses, and have leased more than 20 aircrafts, indicating the sector's promising outlook," the survey said.

The Survey added that going forward collaborative efforts between the government, industry stakeholders, and international partners will be key for growth of the sector.

The total number of passengers carried in 2023-24 stood at 37.6 crore, which was 15 percent higher than the same period in 2022-23, the Survey said.

The domestic air passenger traffic handled in 2023-24 increased by 13 percent YoY to 30.6 crore and international air passenger traffic handled increased by 22 percent YoY to 7 crore.

It also pointed out that Digi Yatra has benefited more than 2.5 core passengers since its launch by using facial recognition to verify passenger identities at various checkpoints, such as check-in, security, and boarding gates, without needing physical documents.