India is realising its potential

2025 is an exciting year for Indian aviation. Industry leaders from around the world gathered in the capital for the 81st IATA Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit, sponsored by IndiGo. Here is IATA Director General WILLIE WALSH on the IATA AGM, India's aviation and the net-zero deadline.

- WILLIE WALSH

Opening thoughts

Throughout my career, I have been a keen observer of India's aviation industry. The potential that everybody could see for decades is finally being realized. I have never been more excited about India's aviation prospects.

On IATA AGM in Delhi

Bringing the IATA AGM and World Air Transport Summit to Delhi in June is sure to be a highlight for the global aviation community. It is an opportunity for India to cement its rise in global aviation by continuing to put in a policy and economic environment that will realize, and most likely exceed, the potential that we all see for aviation in India.

On India's place in global aviation

India's place in global aviation has changed dramatically over the last decade. With record aircraft orders, impressive growth, and world-class infrastructure developments, India is firmly established as the fourth largest market (domestic & international) for aviation in the world. And within this decade IATA's own projections point to India rising to be the third largest.

On its contribution to Indian GDP and employment

India's rapidly modernizing and expanding aviation sector is a huge good news story for the country. The aviation industry in India employs 369,700 people directly and generates USD 5.6 billion of economic output. When you include the additional benefits that aviation brings, such as tourism, the number rises to 7.7 million jobs in India and USD 53.6 billion in economic contribution. That is 1.5 per cent of India's GDP!

On Indigo and Air India