New Delhi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday unveiled India’s ambitious plan to become a global aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub worth $4 billion by 2030, addressing delegates at the 81st Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in New Delhi.
Marking the return of the prestigious global aviation event to India after four decades, Modi outlined sweeping reforms and growth targets aimed at transforming the country into a powerhouse in civil aviation and aircraft maintenance.
“In 2014, India had only 96 MRO facilities. Today, that number has grown to 154,” Modi said. “With 100% foreign direct investment (FDI), reduced goods and services tax (GST), and extensive regulatory reforms, we are creating an enabling environment for investment and innovation.”
Currently, a large portion of MRO services for Indian airlines are outsourced abroad due to capacity limitations at home. Modi said the new push will bring more maintenance work onshore, reduce costs, and build local expertise.
Aviation Boom and Passenger Growth
Modi underscored the sector’s rapid expansion, noting that domestic and international passenger traffic is expected to more than double — from 240 million annually to 500 million — by 2030. He attributed this growth to significant infrastructure investments, citing the increase in operational airports from 74 in 2014 to 162 now.
“This is just the beginning,” he said. “India’s aviation sector has to grow long and wide. These are not just statistics — they reflect the potential of India’s future.”
Highlighting UDAN, Digital Innovation, and Sustainability
The prime minister hailed the UDAN scheme, launched in 2016 to promote regional connectivity, as a “golden chapter” in India’s civil aviation history. More than 15 million passengers have benefited from affordable flights to smaller towns, thanks to viability gap funding and reduced taxes for airlines.
Modi also promoted digital innovation in air travel, urging global delegates to examine India’s Digi Yatra platform. The app allows paperless, biometric-enabled check-in and boarding. “This is a smart and secure model that could be of use to the Global South,” he said.
On the sustainability front, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to green aviation, pointing to efforts around sustainable aviation fuel, carbon reduction, and regulatory streamlining through the updated Indian Aircraft Act, which now aligns with global best practices.
Emphasising Gender Diversity and Future Aviation
India’s aviation workforce stands out globally, with women comprising over 15% of pilots — triple the global average — and 86% of cabin crew. Modi highlighted the role of drones in empowering women’s self-help groups, especially in agriculture and logistics.
Looking ahead, Modi envisioned the future of aviation beyond Earth. “Today, humanity is preparing to commercialise interplanetary travel. It may take time, but we are at the beginning of a new era,” he said.
Industry Response
The IATA praised India’s progress, with regional director Amitabh Khosla noting the country’s resilience and potential as a growth market. However, challenges remain, including infrastructure bottlenecks and the need for further regulatory clarity.
India’s aviation sector is now on course to become a global leader not just in air traffic, but also in aircraft maintenance and aerospace innovation. As Modi put it: “We don’t just want to Make in India — we want to Design in India too.”
