- “India Is Designing, Building and Leading Global Aviation”: Naidu at Wings India Awards
By Sangeeta Saxena
Hyderabad. 29 January 2026. The Wings India 2026 Excellence Awards Ceremony marked a powerful celebration of India’s rapidly transforming civil aviation ecosystem, recognising exemplary achievements 
across airlines, airports, manufacturing, sustainability, innovation, human capital development, and state-led aviation initiatives. Held at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad, during Asia’s largest civil aviation event, the ceremony brought together industry leaders, policymakers, regulators, OEMs, and global stakeholders under one roof to honour excellence and chart the future of Indian aviation.
Addressing the distinguished gathering, Union Minister for Civil Aviation K Rammohan Naidu delivered a compelling keynote, articulating India’s bold aviation vision and reaffirming the nation’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, sustainability, and global leadership.
Vision, Growth and Global Leadership
Setting the tone for the evening, Minister K Rammohan Naidu said, “India is no longer just flying aircrafts—we are designing, building and leading global aviation.” Highlighting the country’s remarkable transformation, he added, “Indian skies are full of infinite possibilities.”
Emphasising the sector’s strategic importance, the Minister noted that India’s aviation journey was no longer limited to connectivity alone, but encompassed manufacturing, maintenance, design, innovation, sustainability, and human capital development. “From market to maker, India’s aviation ecosystem is taking global leadership flight. India represents the wings of 1.5 billion aspirations,” he stated.
Reflecting on the inclusive growth model adopted by the government, Shri Naidu stressed that aviation in India was no longer the privilege of a few. “Air travel in India is no longer exclusive, but inclusive,” he said, stressing that regional connectivity, infrastructure expansion, and policy reforms had democratised access to flying.
He further highlighted that sustained capacity creation ahead of demand was central to India’s aviation roadmap. “We are building capacity before demand catches up, ensuring that infrastructure, aircraft availability, skilled manpower, and regulatory systems remain future-ready,” he said.
Sustainability, Innovation and Global Partnerships
Reiterating sustainability as a core pillar of aviation growth, Naidu observed, “The future of aviation will be shaped by sustainability, innovation and technological excellence.” He reiterated India’s commitment to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), electric mobility, next-generation aircraft platforms, and green airport infrastructure.
Speaking on innovation, he remarked, “Innovation is no longer an option; it is the engine that will drive India’s aviation leadership in the coming decades.” He added that collaboration between government, industry, startups, academia, and global partners was vital for building globally competitive ecosystems.
Highlighting India’s role in global aviation, the Minister said, “India is fast emerging as a global aviation gateway between the Global South and the rest of the world.” He encouraged global investors and manufacturers to partner with India, stating, “This is a golden opportunity to become long-term partners in India’s aviation growth journey.”
Wings India: Platform of Confidence and Collective Growth
Describing Wings India as a reflection of India’s aviation ambitions, Naidu said, “Wings India is not just an event; it is a statement of confidence, capability and commitment to collective flight.”
He emphasised that the awards recognised organisations that had demonstrated leadership, innovation, operational excellence, sustainability, and strategic vision. “These awards celebrate the excellence, resilience, and leadership that are shaping the future of Indian aviation,” he stated.
Honouring Excellence Across the Ecosystem
The Wings India 2026 Excellence Awards honoured outstanding contributions across the aviation value chain, including airlines, airports, cargo operations, manufacturing, MRO, sustainability, digital innovation, skilling, and state aviation initiatives. Winners were recognised for their achievements in safety, efficiency, passenger experience, environmental stewardship, infrastructure development, and technological advancement.
The ceremony highlighted how collaboration between government bodies, private enterprises, startups, and global OEMs is enabling India’s transformation into a comprehensive aviation ecosystem.
The Wings India 2026 Excellence Awards Ceremony concluded on a high note, reaffirming India’s emergence as a global aviation powerhouse. Through his compelling address, Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu not only celebrated present achievements but also outlined a bold roadmap for the future—one driven by innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and global partnerships. As India accelerates its journey from market to maker, the ceremony stood as a powerful testament to the nation’s collective ambition to lead the next era of global aviation.
