New Delhi. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday mentioned the growth prospects of the Indian civil aviation sector and said that with the regional air connectivity scheme ‘UDAN’, air travel has now become inclusive and affordable. Addressing the second Asia-Pacific ministerial conference on civil aviation here, Prime Minister Modi said that 1.4 crore people have traveled by air under the ‘UDAN’ (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme brought to increase regional air connectivity. It has also fulfilled the dream of flying for the lower middle class and people of small cities.
Prime Minister Modi said that the country’s growing middle class and the demand arising from them is the driving force for the civil aviation sector and the Udan scheme has worked to make air travel inclusive and affordable. He also suggested the delegates present at the conference to study the success of the ‘Udan’ scheme. Referring to creating a ‘network of opportunities’ through aviation in the Asia-Pacific region, he said that this will accelerate economic growth, increase innovation and enhance peace and prosperity.
He said, “It is our shared commitment to shape the future of aviation.” Prime Minister Modi suggested creating an international Buddhist circuit through air connectivity, saying that this would benefit the countries of the region and their citizens. Along with this, he also talked about adopting a comprehensive view in terms of air routes used by professionals in the Asia-Pacific region.
He stressed on ensuring that the skies remain open for all and people’s dream of flying is fulfilled. He said that the aviation sector plays a major role in economic growth and creates many jobs.
Prime Minister Modi said that the growing middle class and the demand generated by them is the driving force for the aviation sector. Indian airlines are expanding their fleets and networks and initiatives are being taken to make the country a global aviation hub. Describing the country as one of the leading civil aviation markets, he said that India will become one of the countries with the most air connectivity and efforts are also on to make it a global aviation hub. Modi said that the sector creates highly skilled jobs. He emphasized the leadership of women in the development of the aviation sector. He said that 15 percent of pilots in India are women, while the global average is five percent.
He said the government is preparing the country for advanced air transport and air taxis will soon become a reality.
The Prime Minister also announced the Delhi Declaration at the conclusion of this two-day conference. The conference, which began on Wednesday, gathered transport and aviation ministers, regulatory bodies and industry experts from the Asia-Pacific region. About 300 delegates from 29 countries attended the conference.