In short :
India hosted the 81st Annual General Meeting (AGM) and World Air Transport Summit of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) from June 1–3, 2025 — for the first time in 42 years.
PM Modi addressed global aviation leaders highlighting India’s growing influence in global air transport and innovation.
India’s Key Announcements at the AGM :
Aviation Growth Pillars:
- Vast Domestic Market: 3rd largest globally.
- Skilled Talent Pool: In AI, clean tech, aviation tech.
- Policy Push: Enabling reforms & incentives.
Milestones & Targets:
- Airports: Increased from 74 (2014) → 162 (2025).
- Passenger traffic: 240 million → target of 500 million by 2030.
- Aircraft orders: 2,000+ placed by Indian airlines.
- Cargo: 3.5 million metric tons → 10 million target.
Reforms & Legislation:
- Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 replaces Aircraft Act, 1934.
- Protection of Aircraft Objects Bill: Aligns with Cape Town Convention (eases aircraft leasing).
- Gift City Incentives: Tax boosts for leasing, MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) sector.
Sustainability & Tech:
- Focus on green fuels, Digi Yatra, and paperless travel.
- India committed to net-zero aviation and global carbon reduction.
Inclusive Growth:
- Women pilots: 15%+ (Global avg: ~5%).
- Drones: Used by rural women in agriculture, health, logistics.
Global Standards & Cooperation:
- Aligned aviation norms with ICAO.
- Reaffirmed Open Skies & Chicago Convention.
- Delhi Declaration: Emphasis on global safety, regulation harmonisation.
INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION
Founded: 1945 (Havana, Cuba); Successor to 1919’s International Air Traffic Association.
HQ: Montreal, Canada.
Members: 350 airlines across 120 countries (82% of global air traffic).
Functions:
- Sets global airline standards (ticketing, cargo).
- Manages BSP & CASS financial systems.
- Advocates policies with ICAO, WTO, and governments.
- Supports net-zero emissions, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).
- Publishes aviation data & forecasts.
POINTERS
ICAO: UN aviation regulator, HQ in Montreal
Digi Yatra: Digital travel initiative using biometrics
Cape Town Convention: International treaty to protect aircraft leasing interests
| UPSC Relevance GS3 – Infrastructure, Economic Development, Science & Tech GS2 – Governance & International Institutions Possible Mains Question“Discuss India’s engagement with global aviation governance and how hosting IATA AGM 2025 reinforces India’s role in international air transport.” |
