India's Aviation Minister Unveils Air India's First 787-9 at Asia's Biggest Air Show
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Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated Wings India 2026, focusing on strengthening the country's aerospace manufacturing ecosystem; the event showcased Air India's first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner delivery.
Key Takeaways
- •Wings India 2026, Asia's largest civil aviation event, was inaugurated by Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu in Hyderabad, focusing on strengthening India's aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
- •The Minister projected India could become a global civil aviation exporter within 10-12 years, supported by a projected 10.5% air passenger growth rate in 2026.
- •The aircraft display featured the first line-fit Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for Air India, which is part of a record-breaking aircraft order and features new premium cabin interiors.
- •India's MRO market is expected to grow at an 8.9% CAGR to reach $4 billion by 2031, but the government must address the challenge of 80-85% of services being outsourced internationally.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated Wings India 2026 on Wednesday at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, Telangana. The Minister described the biennial event as one of Asia's largest aviation summits.
Hosted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, the four-day event runs from January 28 to 31. It aims to highlight India's growing strength in civil aviation manufacturing. The event also showcases the rising domestic demand for air travel.
Manufacturing Focus and Export Ambition
Minister Naidu emphasized the government's strategic focus for the next decade. This priority is to strengthen the country’s aerospace manufacturing ecosystem. The goal is to meet the massive future aviation requirements. The Minister expressed confidence in India's potential. He believes India can become a global aviation exporter within 10 to 12 years. This shift moves India beyond its role as a high-growth consumer market.
India is already recognized as the world's fastest-growing major aviation market. Air passenger traffic growth in 2026 is projected at 10.5%. This rate is higher than China's 8.9% forecast for the same year, according to ACI projections. The overall Indian Aviation market size is expected to reach $16.53 billion in 2026. It is forecast to grow at an 11.86% Compound Annual Growth Rate through 2031.
Key Aircraft Display: Air India's Dreamliner
A major highlight of the summit's static display was the Air India Boeing 787-9 delivery. The aircraft is the first line-fit Dreamliner specially configured for the airline. It is part of the carrier's record order for nearly 500 new aircraft. The Minister noted that delays in aircraft delivery remain a major bottleneck for the sector. He expressed hope that new arrivals would provide a great boost to the industry.
- Air India's new 787-9 features bespoke cabin interiors. The premium configuration includes 30 private Business Class suites. The aircraft is scheduled to begin commercial service in February on the Mumbai-Frankfurt route.
Opportunities in MRO and Supply Chain
Wings India 2026 also underscores the nation's growing capabilities beyond passenger traffic. India is emerging as a strong hub for aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). The Indian MRO market is expected to reach $4 billion by 2031. This growth reflects a strong CAGR of 8.9%, surpassing the global average of 5.6%.
Despite this growth, a significant challenge remains. Currently, 80-85% of MRO services are outsourced to international providers. The government is actively working to integrate Indian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) into global aviation supply chains.
- The event features a Global CEOs Forum and B2B meetings. This aims to foster partnerships and investment. The theme, “Indian Aviation: Paving the Future,” covers manufacturing to maintenance. The summit will also include an Aviation Job Fair and a student innovation competition. This focuses on developing the next generation of aviation talent.
Global aviation leaders from companies like Boeing and Airbus are attending. Their presence highlights India's strategic importance. The focus on domestic manufacturing is key. It will help meet the demand from carriers like Air India and IndiGo. This ambition aims to transform India's role in the global aerospace ecosystem.
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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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