India is currently experiencing a boom in the aviation industry, due to economic expansion, pricing competition, tourism and an increased load capacity. In the financial year 2006 ¨C 2007, turnover in the aviation industry stood at US$3.5 billion, with a growth of 20 percent expected over the next five years.
The Airport and Airline 2008 Expo held in India during March enabled Aviation New Zealand and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) to gain a better understanding of business opportunities relating to the Indian aviation industry.
In comparison with places like North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific represents the biggest region for total new passenger aircrafts. According to projections by local Indian airline, Kingfisher, growth is estimated to reach 31 percent by 2025.
Kingfisher also predicts that by 2010 India will be the fifth-largest country for passenger aircraft deliveries, and the country will also require approximately 2,700 pilots, 6,800 cabin crew and 11,700 maintenance personnel.
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise education sector manager, Ian Stockwell, says New Zealand's reputation of providing safe, top quality aviation education services in pilot training is of interest to New Zealand.
"New Zealand's Civil Aviation Authority is viewed favourably by regulatory bodies like the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the United States Federal Aviation Authority, and the European Aviation Safety Agency."
To date, India has established flight training partnerships with Dubai Aerospace University, America School of Aviation and the Queensland Government to train Indian students.
Other areas of expertise that New Zealand could offer India includes flight and engineering training, airport infrastructure and maintenance, repair and operating/overhaul (MRO).
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