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Dear Members,
Over the past few months, BAOA has continued to engage proactively with key stakeholders across government, regulatory and financial institutions to strengthen the long-term growth prospects of General and Business Aviation (GA/BA) in India.
A major area of focus has been our ongoing interaction with the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) at GIFT City. We are advocating measures that can facilitate affordable, long-term aircraft financing and leasing through Indian Rupee-denominated funding structures. Equally important is the recognition of aviation infrastructure as a strategic ‘infrastructure sector’, enabling access to more competitive financing avenues. These initiatives are essential to unlocking sustainable growth and expanding access to aviation services across the country.
In our discussions with policymakers, we continue to highlight the vital contribution of GA/BA to the national economy and public service. Beyond business connectivity, our sector plays a critical role in disaster relief, emergency response, pilgrimage operations, medical evacuation, and connectivity to remote and inaccessible regions where conventional transport options remain limited.
We also welcome the recent AERA Multi-Year Tariff Proposal (MYTP) Order for Navi Mumbai International Airport. The Order is path breaking in its treatment of aircraft parking, the definition of Usual Parking Station, and its approach to bundled non-aeronautical General Aviation Terminal (GAT) charges. We believe this establishes important policy principles that can serve as a benchmark for future PPP airports across India and contribute to a more balanced and equitable operating environment for GA/BA operators.
BAOA is also preparing for its next engagement with DGCA, expected in the coming weeks. The meeting will focus on advancing the various issues discussed during previous quarterly interactions and ensuring timely progress on pending matters. I encourage all members to actively participate and share their inputs so that BAOA can effectively represent the collective interests of the industry.
On the issue of ATF pricing, BAOA strongly represented the concerns of the GA/BA community following the sharp increase in fuel prices arising from developments in the Middle East. While certain relief measures were extended to scheduled domestic operators, similar support was unfortunately not made available to GABA operators. Even the recently announced stabilisation mechanisms are presently focused on scheduled airline operations. Accordingly, notwithstanding the welcome easing of geopolitical tensions in recent days, operators are advised to prudently incorporate appropriate ATF escalation and fuel-surcharge clauses in future contracts, particularly for pilgrimage, government, defence, and other long-term operational commitments.
As always, BAOA remains fully committed to working with all stakeholders to create an enabling, sustainable, and growth-oriented ecosystem for General and Business Aviation in India.
I wish all our members safe flying and successful operations in the months ahead.
