INDIAN AVIATION'S 2025 TAKEOFF

India's aviation sector soared to record-breaking domestic passenger traffic in 2024, highlighting robust growth despite challenges like supply chain disruptions and infrastructure constraints. As 2025 unfolds, transformative fleet expansions, new airports, and regional connectivity initiatives promise unprecedented growth, but questions about profitability and execution remain, analyses AMEYA JOSHI

- AMEYA JOSHI

India's aviation sector experienced a stellar year in 2024, achieving record-breaking domestic passenger traffic and surpassing the previous high set last year. This remarkable milestone highlights the industry's robust growth and resilience. However, the sector faced numerous challenges that cast a shadow over its success. These issues spanned across infrastructure bottlenecks, supply chain disruptions, and manpower shortages, all of which hindered smooth operations.

At the airline level, manufacturers Airbus and Boeing grappled with significant setbacks in meeting their delivery commitments. Boeing, in particular, faced additional hurdles due to a labour strike that forced a temporary halt in production, further complicating the supply chain challenges. Despite these obstacles, the Indian aviation industry continues to demonstrate immense potential and promise for future growth. What is in store for the industry as we get into 2025? With the airlines and airports full of hope and plans, will they materialise? Will the aviation industry be profitable? Will there be growth? The next 12 months are probably like never before.

The year of induction