India's Aviation Minister Unlocks Global Deals at WEF 2026 Davos Summit
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Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu affirmed India's aviation leadership at WEF 2026, securing talks with Embraer, EU Transport, and WMO on SAF, safety, and infrastructure.
Key Takeaways
- •Minister Naidu projected Indian carriers will induct 100 aircraft annually for the next 15 years, supporting the goal of 350+ airports by 2047.
- •Strategic talks with Embraer and EU Transport Commissioner focused on new partnerships, SAF policy, and enhanced DGCA EASA cooperation for safety and drone regulation.
- •India reaffirmed its commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), outlining the need for coordinated action to scale production and meet proposed blending targets by 2030.
- •Discussions covered autonomous mobility, air cargo logistics with DHL, and leveraging weather intelligence for safer, more resilient operations.
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu led key discussions. He attended the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos, Switzerland. The Minister reaffirmed India's global aviation leadership. Discussions focused on growth, sustainability, and innovation.
Driving India Aviation Growth
Minister Naidu highlighted India's ambitious expansion plans. Indian airlines will induct nearly 100 aircraft annually. This growth will continue over the next 15 years. This massive fleet expansion is underway. India aims for 350+ airports by 2047. This vision supports the 'Viksit Bharat' goal. It positions India as a global aviation hub.
He noted India's emerging strength. This includes MRO and component manufacturing. Major carriers like IndiGo drive this expansion.
Strategic Global Partnerships
Naidu met with Embraer CEO Francisco Gomes Neto. The discussion focused on strengthening Embraer's presence. They explored Embraer India strategic partnerships. This aims to boost the Indian aviation ecosystem.
A significant meeting was held with EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas. They discussed EU-India transport cooperation. Both sides agreed to boost DGCA EASA cooperation. This will further enhance aviation safety standards. The focus areas include joint certification and drone regulation.
Ram Mohan Naidu also met Pablo Ciano, CEO of DHL eCommerce. Their talks centered on scaling air cargo logistics infrastructure. This supports DHL's expansion plans in India.
Focus on Sustainability and Innovation
The Minister addressed the 'Airport of Tomorrow' session. He shared India's perspective on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). India has proposed SAF blending targets. This includes 5% by 2030 for international flights. Coordinated action is needed to scale production. This will help balance costs and accelerate decarbonisation.
He also participated in the autonomous mobility session. Naidu outlined India's 'Enable, Deploy and Scale' approach. He highlighted the progressive Drone Rules 2021. India is preparing for eVTOLs and autonomous aviation. This leverages digital infrastructure and manufacturing strength.
Further strengthening global cooperation, Naidu met with Celeste Saulo. She is the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO). They discussed using advanced weather intelligence. This data is vital for aviation safety and resilience.
These engagements at the World Economic Forum underscore a key shift. India is moving from an 'emerging economy' to a pivotal global force. The Minister's efforts attract collaboration and investment.
Key Takeaways for Industry Stakeholders
- India projects adding 100 aircraft annually for 15 years.
- The government plans for 350+ airports by 2047.
- EASA DGCA cooperation will enhance safety and cybersecurity.
- SAF policy aims for a 5% blend target by 2030 for international flights.
- Talks with Embraer signal deeper manufacturing ties.
India's aviation sector is poised for massive growth. This creates opportunities in MRO and component supply chains. The focus on SAF and autonomous flight shows a future-ready approach. This ensures India remains a trusted global partner.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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