The cover story in this issue of the magazine is on one of the most recognised, respected and high profile faces in the world of Business Aviation. Ayushee Chaudhary profiles Ali Ahmed Alnaqbi, the Chairman of International Business Aviation Council (IBAC) and the Founding and Executive Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA). The rise and rise of Alnaqbi from starting business aviation in the Middle East to becoming the head of IBAC, the body that governs Business Aviation around the world is truly awe-inspiring. It is also a reflection of the acceptance of the contribution that Business Aviation now makes and the major role that it now plays in the global aviation sector.

Supporting Business Aviation, in an article Ayushee Chaudhary articulates how flying private could make more financial sense. As more and more companies are beginning to outsource manufacturing and other operations into developing countries, private jets are a better way to get where they need to go. Private travel ensures on-time arrival and in the best possible shape (physically as well as mentally), save all the hassle and time needed at the airport for check-in, securities, and other formalities.

As and when the Indian economy come out of the current slowdown (caused due to various factors), it will be looking for catalysts to speed up the growth. Aviation sector is one such catalyst that can really aid the growth of a nation’s economy. With a projected 158 million passengers by 2037, the infrastructure required and the millions of jobs created by this demand can really spurt the growth of India’s economy. Having said that, what is required is for the Government policies to support the aviation sector in India. With a clear mandate for the industry, its supply chain partners and the government and policy-makers all working in a collaborative manner, the common goal of ensuring that the benefits that the air transport industry can bring to India are fulfilled. In this issue, we have an article by Ayushee Chaudhary on the Effects of Aviation on Indian Economy. In another article, Satyendra Pandey does a Reality Check of Indian Civil Aviation and what is required to ensure a consistent and significant growth of this sector.

Apart from the convergence on a range of global strategic interest of the two nations, the major take-away for President Donald Trump’s visit to India last week was the signing of agreements for the purchase of 24 MH- 60R helicopters for the Indian Navy and six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Indian Army, a deal valued at more than $3 billion. This issue of SP’s Aviation carries a detailed report by Vishal Thapar on the recent visit of the US President to India.

The Indian civil aviation industry will hopefully get the impetus it needs at this juncture through an International Exhibition and Conference on Civil Aviation named as “Wings India 2020”. The event which is of immense importance for the Indian civil aviation industry, is being held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad from March 12 to 15 this year. Do visit us in Hall B, Booth 7 at Wings India 2020.

All this and more in this issue of SP’s Aviation. Welcome aboard and we wish you many happy landings.

Jai Hind!