‘ India’s aviation poised for revival’
Strong local fundamentals will boost sector, says Airbus executive
In parallel to our efforts of catalysing a safe traffic recovery, we need to work on ... strengthening the foundations for India to become aworld leader in the civil aviation industry.”
Remi Maillard | Airbus executive
Asenior aviation official has expressed confidence in the industry’s potential, along with its revival prospects, in India.
“I remain confident about the future of the Indian aviation industry because of the strong local fundamentals,” said Remi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia,
“That is why, in parallel to our efforts of catalysing a safe traffic recovery, we need to work on further strengthening the foundations for India to become a world leader in the civil aviation industry. This implies further developing the domestic market, turning India into an international hub, growing the MRO and training ecosystems as well as stimulating the helicopter business,” he added.
‘ Gravest crisis’
The sector has been heavily battered by the coronavirus outbreak and its cascading impact on the overall travel industry. Maillard termed the pandemic as the ‘ gravest crisis’ that industry has ever faced.
“There is not one single player in the market that is immune to the crisis, be it an airline, a lessor, an MRO, a training centre, an airport, an equipment supplier or an aircraft manufacturer. It is a long term crisis,” he elaborated.
“Given how deep the crisis is, a full recovery in aviation will take years specifically when it comes to international flights,” he added.
Nevertheless, Maillard pointed out that with the economy opening up gradually, demand for air travel has started to pick up.
“We have now started seeing a gradual increase in air travel as the domestic flights have increased in a phased manner,” he said.
“We are hopeful passenger demand will further pick up during the festive season. Now the situation remains very fluid and uncertain and we predict that 2021 will remain a difficult year for the industry.”