Ministerial Plenary: Global partnerships and supply chain resilience

Ministers from multiple countries emphasised the importance of cross-border partnerships

The Ministerial Plenary at Wings India 2026 spotlighted the accelerating momentum around global collaboration in aviation. Ministers from multiple countries emphasised the importance of cross-border partnerships focused on fleet expansion, aircraft assembly lines and supply chain resilience. Discussions reflected a shared intent to unlock growth while addressing common challenges related to security, geopolitical uncertainty and industrial sustainability. Saudi Arabia extended an invitation to participating nations to attend the Future Aviation Forum in April 2026, reinforcing international cooperation. Panelists outlined a tripartite growth agenda linking aviation, tourism and economic development, positioning India as a central partner in global aviation expansion. Ministers from Indian states showcased readiness to expand aero services regionally, while international representatives from countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Mongolia, Oman, Qatar, Dominican Republic and others expressed strong interest in deepening engagement with India. The session underscored that India's aviation future will be shaped as much by global partnerships as by domestic reforms.

Global CEO Forum

Senior industry leaders deliberated on advancing India's aviation ecosystem through Make in India-focused partnerships

The Global CEOs Forum at Wings India 2026 brought together industry leaders to explore how India's aviation ecosystem can be strengthened through Make in India-led partnerships. Officials from Invest India urged global CEOs to play a larger role in this effort, supported by risk capital mechanisms to build a more resilient and competitive supply chain. Discussions focused on the potential for regional aircraft manufacturing in India, the importance of totalising the supply chain to reduce risk and friction, and the adoption of digital technologies to enhance passenger experience, including one-stop security and seamless airport processes. Panelists also highlighted the need to reimagine airports as "happy places" through better infrastructure and service delivery. The session reinforced aviation's role as a catalyst for sustainable growth and employment in India.

Unleashing India's MRO Potential: New Policy Roadmap Launched

Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and Senior Economic Advisor Piyush Srivastava launching the report

The Ministry of Civil Aviation and Invest India released the report "Cleared for Takeoff: Unleashing India's MRO Potential" at Wings India 2026. The report was launched by Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha and Senior Economic Advisor Piyush Srivastava, outlining strategic pathways to accelerate India's MRO growth. The roadmap focuses on regulatory reforms, tax clarity, infrastructure development, skill creation and ecosystem collaboration to position India as a globally competitive MRO hub. The report reinforces the government's intent to retain greater maintenance value within the country, reduce foreign exchange outflows and strengthen aviation self-reliance.

Helicopter market, enormous potential, persistent constraints

AIRBUS H160 HELICOPTER

India's helicopter sector holds vast untapped potential, yet remains severely underutilised relative to global benchmarks. With only around 250-280 civil and para-public helicopters in operation, less than one per cent of the global fleet, India lags far behind even smaller developed markets. Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters India and South Asia, highlighted the disparity, noting that "Pune alone has more helicopters than the entire North East region combined." Industry leaders identified the absence of a helicopter mindset as a core challenge, with helicopters still viewed primarily as VVIP or niche assets rather than essential mobility, emergency response and logistics platforms. Regulatory and infrastructure gaps, including heliport development, airspace access and rotary-fixed wing deconfliction, continue to constrain growth. Safety perceptions, limited accident data analysis, and a weak financing ecosystem further dampen expansion. Experts stressed that unlocking India's helicopter market will require coordinated policy reform, infrastructure development and a broader shift in perception, recognising helicopters as critical connectors across India's diverse geography.

India's Business and General Aviation sector poised for strong growth

India's business and general aviation sector is poised for rapid expansion, driven by rising demand and a growing role in regional connectivity, though experts warn that infrastructure and skill gaps could constrain long-term growth. Speaking at a panel, Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Civil Aviation, said India's aviation ecosystem has undergone a structural shift, with helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, regional transport aircraft and business aviation now clearly distinguished and recognised separately by the DGCA. He described the sector's growth as "highly exponential," noting visible expansion at both ends of the market—from UDAN-enabled regional flying to increased induction of business jets for corporate and private use. Panelists flagged pilot availability, maintenance readiness and aircraft-specific training as key challenges and agreed that targeted policy, training and infrastructure investments will determine the sector's sustainable growth.