By Staff Correspondent
Aviation Secretary, Rajiv Bansal, revealed at the CII International Conference and Exhibition on Advanced and Short Haul Air Mobility for All (ASHA) in Bengaluru that the government will soon announce the first set of production-linked incentives for drones.
The two-day event, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in association with the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), addressed the issue of emerging air mobility, focusing on drones and electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology. Bansal highlighted the government’s commitment to promoting the creation of airports, heliports, and water aerodromes while acknowledging seaports’ environmental clearance challenges.
The aviation sector’s transition to alternate means of transport will be driven by consumer demand, according to Bansal. He recommended that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) establish pilot plants in different regions of the country to demonstrate the benefits of advanced and short-haul air mobility, which will help to garner support from local governments and consumers.
Industry leaders at the conference discussed the sector’s challenges, including the need for harmonisation among certifying agencies worldwide, and emphasised the importance of keeping an open mind and working collaboratively with governments. Safety remains paramount, and the certification process must be simplified to build consumer confidence.
Infrastructure challenges were also noted, particularly in congested areas like cities, with limited or no unused land available for advanced and short-haul air mobility. Augustine Tai, Head of Business Development (APAC), Eve Air Mobility, suggested the involvement of local governments in pushing through infrastructure challenges and emphasised the need for global standards to simplify the certification process.
