New Delhi/Hyderabad, Jan 28 (NationPress) Emphasizing that India is evolving into a significant global aviation center, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday invited investors globally to "partner with us as co-pilots on India’s flight to success".

The Prime Minister announced that the government is advancing the next phase of the UDAN scheme to enhance regional and economical air connectivity.

In his video address at the launch of Wings India 2026, the civil aviation summit held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, the Prime Minister noted that the forthcoming years would witness an extraordinary surge in air travel demand, presenting increased investment opportunities.

He identified aircraft manufacturing, pilot training, advanced air mobility, and aircraft leasing as sectors where India offers vast potential.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of self-reliance. "As India rises as a pivotal global aviation hub, it's crucial that we minimize our dependence on others for aviation needs. Strengthening self-reliance will benefit companies looking to invest in India," he stated.

PM Modi revealed that India is placing significant focus on aircraft design, manufacturing, and the MRO ecosystem. "Currently, India is a key manufacturer and supplier of aircraft components. We are initiating the production of military and transport aircraft domestically," he added.

Encouraging "every country, industry leader, and innovator" to seize this golden opportunity, he invited them to become long-term partners in "our developmental journey and contribute to enhancing the global aviation sector".

He highlighted that India's aviation sector has undergone a remarkable transformation in the last decade. "Once limited to an elite few, air travel in India has now become widely accessible. Today, India stands as the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. Our passenger traffic has seen rapid growth, and the fleet of Indian airlines is also expanding swiftly. In recent years, Indian airlines have placed orders for over 1500 aircraft," he said.

PM Modi mentioned the government's mission to ensure air travel is accessible to every Indian citizen, resulting in the connection of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities to airports.

He pointed out that in 2014, there were 70 airports in India, which have now grown to more than 160. "We have activated over 100 aerodromes across the nation and launched the UDAN scheme for affordable air travel. Thanks to this initiative, 15 million passengers have flown on previously nonexistent routes," he noted.

He asserted that as India strives to become a developed nation, its air activity will inevitably expand significantly. It is projected that by 2047, India will boast more than 400 airports.

"Our government is also advancing the next phase of the UDAN Scheme. This policy will further bolster regional and affordable air connectivity, and we are also expanding seaplane operations. Our goal is to enhance air connectivity in every region of India," he stated.

The Prime Minister also highlighted a strong focus on developing the tourism sector. "Tourist destinations are being enhanced nationwide, and air travel is the preferred choice for many travelers. The increasing demand for air travel translates to more investment opportunities for everyone," he concluded.