Indian aviation sector capable of growing by 130%: Bird Grp

Bird Group today said the Indian aviation sector can achieve growth of up to 130 per cent with the relaxation of FDI norms but the step should have been taken much earlier. "I think the FDI in aviation should have come much earlier," Bird Group Executive Director (India) Ankur Bhatia said at the World Economic Forum on India here.

With FDI coming in, the Indian aviation sector is capable of growing 120-130 per cent, he added. "We do not have regional infrastructure where there is potential of people flying more. If foreign airlines come in, they will look at the infrastructure first," Bhatia said.

The huge demand supply gap of hotel rooms in India is also stopping foreign players to come in, he added. "Aviation is the highest regulated sector. That is why people are shying to come in," Bhatia said. In September, the government had allowed foreign carriers to invest up to 49 per cent in Indian airlines.

Delhi-based Bird group has presence in many sectors, including travel, technology, aviation services, hospitality, retail and education.