The Hindu Business Line : Buoyant projections for air traffic growth

A FORECAST on air traffic by the Foundation for Aviation and Sustainable Tourism, a New Delhi-based non-governmental organisation, has shown growth both on domestic and international sectors during 2005-06.

During the current year, the forecast indicates an increase of 7 per cent on domestic sectors from 2.44 crore passengers in 2004-05 to about 2.51 crore passengers.

On the international sector, in 2004-05, there were 1.79 crore passengers, which is expected to grow by 5.5 per cent during the current year to 1.88 crore passengers.

During the next 20 years, a quantum jump in projected traffic — four times in passenger and six times in cargo — is expected.

Mr D. Sudhakara Reddy, Founder and President, Air Passengers Association of India (APAI), said these projections had been made on a conservative basis. The ground reality was different and the growth in passenger traffic was increasing at a much higher rate than what was projected.

According to a press release from the APAI, the International Civil Aviation Organisation forecasts a worldwide growth in air traffic of 5 per cent a year or doubling in the volume of traffic once in 14 years. The Asia-Pacific region is set for higher than average growth.

It was imperative that procedures improved and facilities grew to match the increase in volume of traffic, the release said.

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