Indian Government Passes Bill to Boost Domestic Aviation Manufacturing

Expanding the helicopter industry presents a significant opportunity, and the government is set to advance towards manufacturing helicopters, Union Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said on Friday. He said India is poised for a significant transformation in its aviation sector with the introduction of the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill, 2024.

The Bill was moved for passage in the Lok Sabha on Friday. It promises to enhance the country's aviation capabilities, including helicopter manufacturing and the introduction of seaplanes.

In a speech delivered while introducing the Bill, the minister highlighted the potential for growth in India's helicopter industry, noting that the country currently operates just 250 helicopters.

"This is a great opportunity to tap into. We are going to manufacture helicopters and the state-of-design element in the Bill will improve the establishment of manufacturing plants and designs," he said.

The minister expressed confidence that once the necessary infrastructure was established, state governments would lend their support to these initiatives. Naidu also announced plans to introduce seaplanes as part of a broader strategy to expand air travel options.

"Certain policies have been made and we have taken industry feedback and made some changes, which will open a whole new area of air travel. We can connect places with dams, lakes and seas through this initiative," he explained.