Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, while launching the 'India Aviation – 2014' on May 12 in New Delhi, said that rapidly expanding air transport network and opening up of the infrastructure to private sector participation have fuelled the growth of air traffic in India.    

He further said that the Government has envisaged an investment of $12.1 billion in the airport sector during the 12th Plan period. Civil Aviation is a key infrastructure sector that facilitates the growth of business, seamless flow of investment, trade and tourism, with significant multiplier effects across the economy. The aviation sector is one of the prime movers for economic growth and a strategic element of employment generation, besides providing air transport for passengers and goods, he added.    

Over a third of world trade by value is delivered by air and about half of international tourism is facilitated by air links. Aviation has created a global community based on the connectivity it provides. In a world of decreasing barriers to trade, the civil aviation industry remains a unique engine for innovation and technological progress, one that provides infrastructure that keeps the nation competitive, the Minister said.