NEW DELHI: Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said on Thursday that India is witnessing a high-growth trajectory and is set to become the third-largest aviation market in the world in terms of passengers by 2026.
Citing IATA figures, he pointed out that ”India became the world’s fastest growing domestic travel market for the 22nd time in a row recording a 26.6 per cent year-on-year growth in January 2017.”
Addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 2nd Aero Expo India 2017 here, he further said while there was a downward trend in accidents, there could not be any complacency and safety remained the ”topmost priority” of aviation authorities and experts.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju Pusapati, and Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha were among those present on the occasion, an official release here said.
The aviation sector, he said, not only played a key role in promoting connectivity and creating jobs but was also an important driver of the economy.
”Aviation is the backbone of the global transport system. It indeed is the most vital sector for linking businesses, bringing people together and promoting tourism worldwide,” he added.
Mr Naidu expressed happiness on the UDAN scheme, saying it seeks to promote regional connectivity by serving the un-served and under-served airports.
Connecting Tier-II cities, pilgrim towns and historic places with the wider air routes is important for boosting tourism and business travel, he said. (AGENCIES)
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