The Indian aviation industry is facing significant challenges, primarily due to the lack of domestic manufacturing capabilities. An entrepreneur, Ankit Sawant, CEO of OnArrival, highlighted that not a single bolt, rivet, or seat used in Indian aircraft is produced locally. This dependency on foreign imports affects multiple facets of aviation operations, including pilot training, aircraft maintenance, and airport systems.
Sawant pointed out that all Level D flight simulators, essential for pilot training, are imported from abroad. The dependence extends to other vital components such as galley carts, baggage conveyor belts from Germany, and aircraft cabins retrofitted in California. He emphasized that this reliance exposes the industry to vulnerabilities, especially during crisis moments like recent system outages.
Recently, a system glitch caused widespread disruptions at Indian airports, affecting airlines such as IndiGo, SpiceJet, Akasa Air, and Air India Express. The outages resulted in delays, with authorities resorting to manual check-ins. Flight data indicated a spike in delays at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, revealing systemic fragility.
Sawant’s remarks underscore the pressing need to develop indigenous manufacturing for the aviation sector. Strengthening local supply chains could mitigate future risks and improve operational resilience. Industry leaders and policymakers are now increasingly recognizing the importance of building domestic production capabilities to fortify India’s aviation future.
