Exploring The Possibilities Of India's Aviation Superpower
Convergence is the new catchword in Geopolitics. To control thinking, narrative, politics, economy, and environment, as well as any aspiring power and identity, global or regional, allows the convergence of all its abilities to further its interests.
Suppose any country says it has forward and backward linkages among all forms of transportation, hub and spoke network for development of its transportation, competition and even more complementarity in transport. In that case, it can create more than four aviation hubs. Also, it can save the USA’s economy and develop an entirely new industry out of everything. It will be Bharat’s aviation sector with all the attendant convergence of economic models. Bharat’s aviation industry will soon start spreading its wings through all financial means and with comprehensive spatial coverage. This will be a new way of controlling the global geopolitics.
Say hello to a new economic model that the world is seeing, a new model that will see that it has not seen, and a power equation that it can create having the capability to convert it into geopolitical clout…that will be the new Bharat.
Indian aviation prospects have come to new heights aided by global and regional circumstances that are bound to help it now.
Aviation has become a necessity With continuous advancements in technology and economy. It is more accessible and affordable in India, allowing more people to travel and explore different parts of the world and encouraging airlines to introduce more flights and buy new aeroplanes.
At present, less than 4% of the Indian population uses air travel as a mode of transportation. However, the increasing affordability of airfare, the expanding middle class, and increasing disposable incomes are expected to increase passenger numbers significantly in the coming years. The Indian government has envisaged building more than 200 airports nationwide to enhance air connectivity further. This ambitious plan aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that even remote regions can access air travel. By investing in airport infrastructure, the government is boosting economic growth and providing opportunities for tourism and trade expansion. With a robust aviation sector complementing the high-speed rail network, India is well on its way to becoming a transportation powerhouse in the region.
India's greatest strength in growing its aviation industry has been attributed to the size of the population and an increasing middle class, which have led to a surge in domestic air travel demand. With a population of over 1.4 billion, India offers a vast market for airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and other aviation-related businesses. This has attracted foreign investments and created job opportunities for millions of Indians, thus contributing to the country's overall economic development.
Additionally, the Indian government has implemented various policies and initiatives to support the growth of the aviation industry. These include liberalising air travel regulations, developing new airports and infrastructure, and promoting domestic airlines. These efforts have further fuelled the industry's expansion and positioned India as a significant player in the global aviation market.
The Indian aviation industry will start growing exponentially once the complementarity between different forms of transportation is established. There will be an initial decline in the Indian aviation industry, but it will start growing after that. The hub and spoke pattern that India is creating throughout the country with the hierarchical development of over 200 airports and their attendant linkages, India aviation will leapfrog. India is considering the development of an aviation hub in northeast India. One will be Itanagar, and the other will be along the Singapore Istanbul or Trans Asian highway. This is one way to promote the roads and the relationship of weaving the whole of SE Asia with Indian culture and making them realise that they had been part of Bharat once.
The growth of air travel in India will have several positive knock-on effects, including a boost to tourism as more Indians can explore domestic and international destinations. Additionally, the development of new airports and the expansion of existing ones will not only improve accessibility but also create job opportunities and stimulate economic growth in the regions where these airports are located. The aviation industry also plays a massive role in making it easier for businesses to trade and do other activities. It allows for goods and services to be transported faster and more efficiently. As a result, the growth of air travel in India benefits individuals and various sectors of the economy.
India has firmly set its eyes on gains that look intangible to the masses, which is the 'non-aeronautical revenue'. This refers to the revenue airports generate from sources other than the actual operation of flights, such as retail stores, restaurants, car rentals, and advertising. With the increase in air travel, the demand for these services has also risen, leading to a significant boost in airport non-aeronautical revenue. This additional income has provided airports with the means to invest in infrastructure development, further enhancing their capacity and efficiency.
Leading aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus have agreed to produce aeroplanes in India, further recognising the country's power in the aviation industry. This move creates job opportunities for the local population and promotes technology transfer and knowledge sharing.
Furthermore, the growth of the aviation industry in India has also attracted international airlines to increase their operations and establish partnerships with domestic carriers. This has improved connectivity within the country and opened up new routes and destinations for Indian travellers. With the increased competition and options, passengers can now enjoy more affordable fares and a more comprehensive range of services. In addition, the government has enforced various policies and initiatives to support the growth of the aviation sector, such as the Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS), which aims to improve air connectivity to remote and underserved areas of the country.
Boeing and Airbus depend primarily on India as a significant customer for their commercial aircraft. Indian Airlines has placed orders with them for hundreds of aircraft, boosting their sales and revenue. The Indian aviation industry benefits from accessing state-of-the-art aircraft. In contrast, Boeing and Airbus benefit from a stable and lucrative market for their products. This symbiotic partnership has propelled India to become a prominent global aviation market player.
In military applications, India's HAL has been a key player in manufacturing indigenous aircraft for the Indian Air Force. This has not only bolstered national security but has also led to advancements in aerospace technology. By producing military aircraft domestically, India can maintain its defence capabilities and reduce its reliance on foreign suppliers. Furthermore, the expertise gained in this sector can be applied to the civilian aviation industry, further enhancing India's position as a global aviation hub.
With HAL's expertise in manufacturing indigenous aircraft for the Indian Air Force, the country has witnessed significant advancements in aerospace technology. The development and production of domestic military aviation have strengthened national security and propelled India towards self-sufficiency in defence capabilities. By reducing its reliance on foreign suppliers, India can ensure a more stable and secure defence infrastructure. Moreover, the knowledge and skills acquired through this process can be effectively utilised in the civilian aviation sector, further solidifying India's global hub position.
Additionally, the government's focus on improving infrastructure, such as expanding airports and implementing regional connectivity schemes, has further fuelled the growth of India's aviation industry.
As Europe continues to decline, it will need more and more Indians to support it spiritually, materially, and economically to spur up its economy and sinking culture and ultimately save it from jihadis. It will be Indian carriers who will carry the Indians, whether to Israel now or to Europe or Africa later on, to spread the soft power of Vishva Guru anywhere in the world.
India has the ability and potential to use its soft power while riding in aviation and spread it with newly acquired wings. The world will soon witness a new flight.