By Staff Correspondent
The Indian civil aviation sector is preparing for a steep take-off. Powered by booming demand and a favourable policy environment, the industry is preparing for a period of rapid expansion, albeit one replete with challenges. As airlines queue to augment their fleets and passenger counts continue to rise, India must grapple with an impending infrastructural and human resource challenge.
Surge In Air Travel: Major Airlines Gear Up
Over the past decade, India has experienced a substantial increase in air travel, making it one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally. The country is home to around 700 aircraft, but this number is set to skyrocket. Major airlines IndiGo and Air India have collectively ordered nearly 1,000 aircraft, a clear indication of the anticipated surge in passenger travel.
A Question Of Scalability: Infrastructure & Workforce Dilemmas
With the passenger count projected to rise from its current figure to over 410 million by 2024-25, according to forecasts by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), the primary question arises: Can the nation’s infrastructure and workforce scale up fast enough to support this expansion?
Past Performance: Bottlenecks & Challenges
It is a question of significant concern, particularly considering India’s historical performance in managing aviation growth. Past expansions have seen teething issues with airports operating at full capacity, limited parking space for aircraft, and a need for an adequately trained workforce, creating bottlenecks that threatened the growth and safety of the sector.
Governmental Support: Infrastructure & Techno-Investments
However, there seems to be room for optimism. The Indian government has expressed a firm commitment to support the sector’s growth, planning an investment of over $11 billion in airport infrastructure. This ambitious investment is meant to fund the development of two new airports near Delhi and Mumbai and several smaller airports under the regional connectivity scheme (RCS) Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik (UDAN).
This infrastructure focus also extends to technological advancements. A major deal has been secured with SITA, a leading technology provider for travel and transport, to implement cutting-edge technology across 43 major Indian airports. This shared-use technology will enable multiple airlines to use the same infrastructure, promising efficiency gains and an enhanced passenger experience.
Workforce Expansion: A Signal For Rapid Scale-up
Simultaneously, the industry is witnessing a rising demand for workforce expansion. Airlines, regulatory bodies, Air Traffic Control (ATC), and airport operators are all gearing up for a massive recruitment drive. This demand for workforce growth, extending beyond carriers to include regulatory entities and airport operators, is a clear sign of an industry preparing for a rapid scale-up.
Air India & IndiGo: The Effects Of Privatisation & Expansion
Notably, airlines are embarking on ambitious hiring drives. Restructuring following the privatisation of Air India has necessitated fresh hires for pilots and cabin crew, with the airline planning to onboard approximately 600 cabin crew and pilots each month. The recent acquisition of aircraft by Air India and IndiGo is expected to further stimulate workforce expansion, with industry experts forecasting significant job creation in the sector over the next decade.
Air Traffic Control: The Major Bottleneck
Nonetheless, challenges persist. The major bottleneck lies in Air Traffic Control (ATC). With the anticipated rise in air traffic, ATC faces a significant human resource challenge. Despite an increase in hiring, there remains a substantial shortfall in Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs). Existing ATCOs are already dealing with demanding working conditions, including mandatory overtime and limited leave options.
The Future: Balancing Growth & Stumbling Blocks
The sector’s future hinges on the successful management of these challenges. While the promise of increased connectivity and economic prosperity fuels rapid growth, the critical shortage of ATCOs and the need to modernise the ATC system raise serious concerns about the safety and efficiency of the burgeoning aviation industry.
Clear Skies Ahead?
The Indian aviation sector stands at the cusp of unprecedented growth. The trajectory is clear – upwards and onwards, with passenger demand, aircraft orders, and government policy all pointing towards a booming aviation sector. However, realising this potential is seen as hinging on successfully managing the infrastructural and workforce challenges ahead. As India prepares for this exciting journey, it’s crucial to remember that navigating these challenges will be as important as reaching the destination.
