Foreword, World Economic Forum White Paper: Skyways to the Future: Operational Concepts for Advanced Air Mobility in India, November 2024
India exemplifies the power of multilateralism in transforming lives and uplifting over a billion people. With its rich cultural diversity and rapidly growing economy, India has made remarkable strides in recent years. As it passed the G20 leadership baton to Brazil, the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration highlighted how a dynamic and resurgent India is committed to bridging the gender divide through increased female enrolment in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields, accelerating low-emission technologies, and ensuring that the cities of tomorrow are both resilient and sustainable.
India’s aviation sector stands as a testament to the country’s forward-thinking leadership and commitment to inclusive growth. The Regional Connectivity Scheme, Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik (UDAN), has democratized air travel, making it affordable, safe and accessible to millions. Advanced air mobility (AAM) is the next chapter in this story, introducing new aerial vehicles and technologies that will expand last-mile connectivity across India. This visionary approach positions AAM as a pioneer for the future of air mobility, bringing swift, efficient transport to the broader population.
This report embodies the spirit of multilateralism and inclusivity, demonstrating how a collaborative, multistakeholder approach can create a roadmap for a dynamic, emerging sector. Developed in collaboration with the leadership of India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), it maps out the essential elements of an AAM ecosystem. Notably, this document’s list of authors includes four accomplished women leaders, each an expert in her field, reflecting a commitment to diversity and gender inclusion.
As Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized at the Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation, held in partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organization, air taxis are soon to become a reality in India. This report serves as a foundational guide to the architecture of a comprehensive AAM ecosystem, bridging policy, technology and practice.
Moving forward, it is crucial to transform this academic foundation into tangible, on-ground action through coordinated pilot programmes. This document offers a detailed framework for India’s journey in AAM, which is set to redefine urban and regional transport and inspire a new era of sustainable mobility.
With: Purushottam Kaushik, Head, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, World Economic Forum
Image: Getty Images for Unsplash
