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11/09/24 10:47 AM IST

India to Host 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation

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  • The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation is scheduled to be held from 11th to 12th September 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
  • The event is co-hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference
  • The first Ministerial Conference of the Asia Pacific region was organized in 2018 in Beijing, China.
  • During the first conference, India volunteered to host the second Conference in 2020 however due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the conference was postponed.
  • Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation is being held against the background of the ever growing and evolving travel needs and requirements of the people living in the region.
  • India is the fastest growing aviation market in the world and is currently the 3rd largest in the domestic segment.
  • In the last decade, the number of aircraft in India has increased from 400 to more than 800 and airports have exponentially grown from 74 to 157.
  • The government's ambitious initiatives like UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) have enhanced regional connectivity, ensuring that even remote areas are integrated into the aviation network creating a robust ecosystem for unprecedented development.
History of Indian Aviation
  • Civil aviation in India took flight in 1911 with the inauguration of the first commercial flight between Allahabad and Naini. Spearheaded by J.R.D. Tata, Tata Airlines (now Air India) commenced operations in 1932, marking the onset of scheduled air services.
  • Initially serving cities like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata, the sector saw significant government involvement post-independence, leading to the nationalization of airlines and the formation of Air India and Indian Airlines.
  • A pivotal moment in Indian aviation was marked by Sarla Thakral, who became the first woman to fly an aircraft and obtain a pilot's license.
  • India became a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on March 30, 1947, enabling participation in global aviation initiatives promoting safety, efficiency, and international collaboration.
  • Over the years, the sector witnessed the emergence of private airlines post-liberalization in the 1990s, followed by the rise of low-cost carriers in the 2000s, revolutionizing air travel accessibility.
  • The roots of Indian aviation date back to 1911 when Monseigneur Piguet piloted the first commercial flight from Allahabad to Naini, initiating the world's maiden airmail service. Tata Airlines (now Air India) further solidified this journey in 1932, pioneering scheduled air services.
  • The dawn of the jet age in 1960 saw Air India introducing the Boeing 707, Gauri Shankar, becoming Asia's first jet-equipped airline. By 1962, it operated the world's first all-jet fleet. The acquisition of Boeing 747s in 1971 elevated Air India's stature as a luxury carrier, setting new standards in international travel.
  • The early 1990s marked a significant turning point with the deregulation of India's aviation sector.
  • The Air Corporations (Transfer of Undertakings and Repeal) Act of 1994 paved the way for private players like Jet Airways and Air Sahara, to enter the aviation market.
Source- PIB

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