Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad puts spotlight on growth of Indian aviation sector

Hyderabad: The Indian aviation sector marked a significant moment at Wings India 2026 at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad this week.

A series of aircraft orders, industrial partnerships and policy-linked initiatives underlined the country’s transition from being largely an aircraft market to an emerging global hub for manufacturing, maintenance, and aviation services, said a public statement.

The four-day event brings together airlines, aircraft manufacturers, public sector units and State governments, resulting in multiple announcements spanning fleet expansion, indigenisation and workforce development.

Air India expands fleet and maintenance partnerships

Air India further expanded its fleet plans by placing an additional order for 30 Boeing narrowbody aircraft, taking its total aircraft commitment to 600 planes.

Alongside the aircraft order, the airline entered into a multi-year Component Services Program agreement with Boeing Global Services.

Under this arrangement, Boeing will provide dedicated maintenance support for Air India’s entire Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, including aircraft yet to be delivered, with the aim of improving operational reliability and fleet availability.

In a parallel move, Air India and Airbus revised their existing agreement by converting 15 A321neo aircraft orders into the longer-range A321XLR variant.

Boost to ‘Make in India’ and regional aviation

The government’s ‘Make in India’ push received momentum with Sakthi Group and Italy-based Omnipol signing a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce the L410 NG 19-seater aircraft in India.

The two companies are currently evaluating the feasibility of setting up a Final Assembly Line (FAL) in the country, a move that could support regional connectivity while strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities.

HAL secures Dhruv NG helicopter contract

India’s indigenous aerospace manufacturing capacity was highlighted by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which signed a contract with Pawan Hans Limited for the supply of 10 Dhruv Next Generation (NG) helicopters.

Valued at over Rs 1,800 crore, the agreement marks a step toward wider adoption of domestically developed helicopter platforms for civil utility and offshore operations.

Airport leadership and workforce development

To support the sector’s expansion, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) partnered with Airports Council International (ACI) to launch a professional accreditation programme.

Under the initiative, more than 115 Indian aviation professionals will be trained over the next five years to meet international leadership and airport management standards.

Centre’s vision for Indian aviation

Addressing the gathering at the Wings India Excellence Awards, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu said India’s progress was the result of collective effort across stakeholders.

“India is no longer just flying aircraft, we are designing, building and leading global aviation. Indian skies are full of infinite possibilities. From market to maker, India’s aviation ecosystem is taking a global leadership flight. India represents the wings of 1.5 billion aspirations,” the Minister said.

Telangana positions itself as MRO and aero-engine hub

The host state of Telangana reiterated its long-term ambitions in the aviation sector.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka outlined plans to position the state as a leading aero-engine and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub by 2047.

He stressed that aviation growth depends on “passengers’ invisible trust in aircraft and the machines that connect nations,” while noting that Hyderabad airport already operates on 100 per cent renewable energy.

Industry outlook

As Wings India 2026 concluded with the presentation of the Excellence Awards, the announcements and partnerships reflected a sector focused on fleet growth and on manufacturing, skills, sustainability and global integration, indicating a structural shift in India’s aviation ecosystem.