Academic Leadership

Successfully implemented a first-of-its-kind regional air connectivity scheme UDAN with the vision of making flying affordable and accessible for the common Indian citizen across the country. UDAN Phase I & II focused on making regional air travel affordable and on the revival of several brownfield airports and air routes in partnership with respective State Governments and airlines. Passenger fares for 50% of the UDAN seats are capped at Rs. 2,500 for an hour-long flight to enhance affordability and connectivity.

UDAN Phase III was launched to provide a further boost to tourism and connectivity in popular tourist and religious destinations. UDAN Phase IV is being implemented focusing on helipad development and expanding helicopter services to the hinterlands.

Leading a comprehensive aviation capacity expansion program, NABH NIRMAN envisaged catering to one billion air passengers over the next decade. In-principle approval has been accorded for the construction of 19 greenfield airports – Pune, Mopa Goa, Jewar, etc. Over Rs. 1 lakh crore of capex already in place over the next 5 years.

Introduced a new transaction structure for future greenfield airports based on the ‘Maximum Blended Aeronautical Yield’ (MBAY) model which will help boost investment, improve the quality of services at airports, and unlock the huge potential in the Indian aviation sector.

Introduced the first-ever Passenger Charter conceptualized in Indian Aviation history, laying down the rights and responsibilities of air passengers and standards for service delivery by aviation stakeholders. Launched DigiYata aimed at developing a digital ecosystem that will deliver Indian customers a pioneering ‘digitally unified flying experience’ at every touchpoint of their journey.

Launched AirSewa, an integrated portal focused on qualitative customer grievance redressal, disseminating real-time data, integrated back-office operations, better airport facilities, and superior digital travel experience. Launched the Drone Regulations in India to enable the safe, commercial usage of drones starting December 1, 2018.

Formulated an all-digital process for registering and operating drones. The Digital Sky Platform is the first-of-its-kind national unmanned traffic management (UTM) platform that implements “no permission, no takeoff” (NPNT). Users will be required to do a one-time registration of their drones, pilots, and owners.

Civil Aviation “Vision Document” Prepared a holistic vision document for Civil Aviation to meet the growing needs of the Indian aviation sector, which is one of the fastest-growing aviation markets in the world. Various issues to be addressed include congestion at airports, runways, and airspace; development of unserved and underserved airports; ways and means to boost air connectivity to small cities and towns.

Launched DigiYatra and AirSewa, the digital platforms that made air travel in India more seamless and hassle-free. -

Oversaw the development of a number of new aviation policies, including the National Air Cargo Policy, the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Policy, the National Green Aviation Policy, and the Drone Policy.

Attracted investments into the Indian aviation sector, which helped to increase competition and drive down fares.

Promoted regional connectivity in India by increasing the number of flights connecting different parts of the country.

Seaplane policy - Seaplanes project gathers speed! Govt clears water aerodromes at three sites