India’s domestic aviation market will grow at a faster pace than China with fleet expansion and the development of new airports, International Air Transport Association’s Director General Willie Walsh said on Tuesday.
“If you look at the domestic markets from 2020 to 2024 both India and China have grown at the same pace - CAGR of 11.2 per cent but going forward I think the rate of growth in India will be higher than that of China. China will still grow very strongly but I believe number one growth economy from an aviation point of view will be India,” Walsh said at the conclusion of IATA’s annual general meeting event in Delhi.
While India which is third largest domestic air traffic market (US is number one ), is a long way behind China, will see a lot of growth with the expansion of fleet and network by airlines like IndiGo and construction of new airports, Walsh said.
Walsh said that simple and clear tax regime in India will also help the country to address it’s growth potential. “Issues related to taxation need to be addressed for India to fully exploit it’s potential and translate it’s vision into reality,” he remarked.
IATA Director General also called for a greater dialogue between airlines and airports on development of efficient and affordable airports.
“Many airports around the world and I am not just picking on India here don’t fully understand the needs of airlines. What we get is development which is not appropriate for the airlines which have to operate at airports that are more expensive than what airlines believe they should be,” he remarked.