Ram Mohan Naidu chairs first HLC meeting on aircraft leasing, financing

The first High-Level Committee meeting on Aircraft Leasing and Financing, chaired by Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, discussed creating a globally competitive ecosystem in India, addressing regulatory issues, and exploring bank credit allocation.

The first meeting of the High-Level Committee (HLC) on Aircraft Leasing and Financing was held under the chairmanship of Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ram Mohan Naidu on Wednesday. The Committee deliberated on measures to develop a robust and globally competitive aircraft leasing and financing ecosystem in India, in line with the rapid expansion of the country’s aviation sector. The meeting was attended by Samir Kumar Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; Puneet Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation; senior officials of the Ministry of Civil Aviation; Ministry of Finance, Department of Commerce; DGCA; RBI; IFSCA and representatives of industry associations.

Government Responds to Industry Suggestions

Opening the discussion, Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu said, “Last year, we organized the first Aircraft Leasing Summit in GIFT City. One of the key suggestions from stakeholders was the ratification of the Cape Town Convention, which we addressed through the enactment of the Protection of Interests in Aircraft Objects Act. This year, at the second Aircraft Leasing Summit, one of the suggestions I received from the industry was the formation of a High-Level Committee. I am pleased that we are holding its first meeting today.”

Developing a Viable Leasing Ecosystem

The Minister observed that aircraft leasing is an established and commercially viable business, with the risks associated with the sector being progressively addressed through appropriate legal and regulatory measures. He also suggested exploring mechanisms for greater allocation of bank credit to the aircraft sector and identifying joint ventures for technical and skill development in aircraft leasing.

Government efforts to encourage aircraft leasing and boost lessor confidence are yielding results, with 422 assets, including 250 aircraft and 87 engines, having been leased through IFSC and 474 leasing agreements having been signed.

Leasing Crucial for Aviation Sector's Growth

Highlighting the importance of aircraft leasing, the Minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s aviation sector is witnessing exponential growth. While India has been expanding its airport infrastructure at a rapid pace, with an airport being operationalized every 45 days, the availability of aircraft remains a key bottleneck. With more than 85% of the fleet of Indian carriers being leased, he emphasized the significance of continued engagement with stakeholders to strengthen the leasing ecosystem.

Coordinated Action Emphasized

Concluding the deliberations, Ram Mohan Naidu emphasized the need for a coordinated and time-bound approach towards addressing the identified regulatory, financing and taxation-related issues. The Committee agreed that the proposed measures should be examined in consultation with the concerned Ministries, Departments and stakeholders, with a focus on developing a predictable policy framework for aircraft leasing and financing in India. (ANI)

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