‘Business Aviation is considered the nursery of the entire aviation sector’, Hon’ble MoS, Ministry of Civil Aviation conveys in his special message
The fourth edition of BizAVIndia conference held on the eve of WINGS India concluded on a positive note. The deliberations and discussions held at the event pointed to the immense potential of the Business and General Aviation sector in making an evolved aviation ecosystem.
Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation Ms. Usha Padhee graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the conference.
Hon’ble Minister of State, Ministry of Civil Aviation Shri Jayant Sinha couldn’t be part of the conference due to parliament in session. He however sent a special message and congratulated BAOA for organizing BizAVIndia conference.
“As you are all well aware, in the recent years, Ministry of Civil Aviation has remained focused on transforming the aviation ecosystem in the country to enable faster inclusive economic and social growth. The Business and General Aviation is one of the important pillars of an evolved aviation ecosystem. Ministry of Civil Aviation has been closely working with industry bodies like BAOA and other stakeholders to create a conducive policy environment that propels the growth of the Business and General Aviation sector, which is considered nursery for the entire aviation sector. Our National Civil Aviation Policy, which is a comprehensive document and a driving force behind all decisions and schemes, provides an opportunity to help India realize its economic potential. With the right policy initiatives, aviation can be the wheel that creates economic opportunities by opening new markets, driving productivity and improving India’s competitiveness.We welcome the initiative taken by Business Aircraft Operators Association by organizing the BizAvIndia Conference that would facilitate all stake holders to exchange their innovative ideas for sustainable development of the General and Business aircraft industry in India.”
Giving the welcome address, Mr. Rohit Kapur, President BAOA said“that even though the business aviation sector has huge potential, it has passed through tough times. The general and business aviation sector has seen zero and negative growth up to 2012-13 from 2008. Now we are a witness to a low single-digit growth.”
He also added that “the business aviation industry has had a momentous transformation over the past decade in India and is now at the cusp of maturation, but it requires a consistent effort through all spheres and avenues to tap its potential. The helicopter industry has not taken off. While India had about 300 in 2008, it has come down to about 280, with a majority of them being used in the oil and gas industry. In fact, one city in Brazil has more helicopters than we now have in India.”
The conference was a half day event, with sessions on the current industry environment, strategic infrastructure interventions and emerging trends and regulatory challenges in GA/BA including helicopter industry. The event brought together key officials from the Government and other stakeholders including Mr. GK Chaukiyal, Executive Director (RCS), Airports Authority of India, Mr. Pradeep Panicker, Deputy CEO, GMR Hyderabad International Airport besides dignitaries from the General Aviation sector such as Mr. Rajan Mehra, CEO, Club Aviation Air; Ms. Kanika Tekriwal, Co-Founder, JetSetGo & Accountable Manager GMR Aviation; Lt. Col Sanjeev Sethi, Director-Aviation, Raymond Ltd and Mr. Harsha Vardhan Sharma, Director, Himalyan Heli Services among others.
BAOA also released a study on the impact of GST on small aircraft industry. BAOA collaborated with Deloitte Haskins & Sells to undertake the study. Ms. Saloni Roy, Senior Director, Indirect Taxes waspresent to unveil the findings of the study at BizAVIndia 2018. She highlighted that the indirect cost on rental services of aircraft has increased from 15 per cent to 18 per cent, which leads to more burden on end consumers. The working capital requirement would increase because of the 5 per cent GST on import of aircraft for purchase as well as for lease. However, the benefit of GST paid on services will now be available, which was not possible earlier.
A networking dinner was hosted the same night which saw coming together of participants from the conference and other professionals from the aviation industry from India and the Globe. Hon’ble Secretary Mr RN Choubey and Joint Secretary Ms. Usha Padhee graced the dinner with their august presence.
BAOA also participated and shared views in all roundtable discussions pertaining to the Business Aviation and General Aviation at WINGS India. In addition, Mr. Rohit Kapur, President and Gp Capt. (retd) Rajesh K Bali, MD made presentations on General Aviation sector and Seaplanes respectively
