The Centre has hinted rationalization of various taxes for the aviation sector in the forthcoming Union Budget 2021-22.
“We are working on a long-term plan to help the sector by rationalizing various taxes. We are looking forward to make the ecosystem smarter and more efficient to make the aviation sector sustainable,” said Usha Padhee, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Civil aviation, Govt. of India while addressing a webinar “Connecting the Dots-Recovery of aviation, tourism and hospitality” organized by Women in Aviation International – India Chapter.
“The policy rejig will also help the sector in the long run, if it is hit by a similar crisis in the future,” she added.
Highlighting the success of Udan scheme, she informed that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has managed to take steps towards recovery of the industry. “We are systematically opening the air space for operations and the air bubbles have helped aviation sector to get 60 % capacity of domestic sector back,” Padhee revealed.
She also added that great solutions are borne out of crisis while delving into the fact how the industry has fast adapted to technology and transformed digitally. “The crisis has led to digital transformation for the aviation sector. Now we have 100 % web check-ins and various technology driven solutions have been adopted to offer touchless experience to passengers,” she quipped.
Speaking during the webinar, Radha Bhatia, President, Women in Aviation International India Chapter said “Women in Aviation International India Chapter is proud to put together the finest minds in the aviation industry to address pressing issues facing us. We hope the government would take cognizance of our problems and jointly work with the industry to find the proposed solutions.”
Also ideating at the webinar, Dr. Fang Liu, Secretary General, International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), said “Challenges such as COVID-19 are also key opportunities for innovation and renewal, permitting air transport leaders to realign their organizations and priorities to promote the more equal representation of women in leadership and other senior positions. Women in aviation must therefore be prepared and confident, and ready to bring their talents and ideas to the forefront to help lead the air transport, tourism, and hospitality sectors to the new futures which await them”.
ICAO formed an Aviation Recovery Task force where in India has been represented by Shefali Juneja, Indian ICAO Representative in Montreal. “We have been constantly striving to draw out emergency reaction operation measures to help implement the rebooting of the aviation sector,” Juneja said.
Dr. Naresh Trehan, CMD, Medanta – The Medicity applauded the efforts of women working in the aviation industry and also stated the fact that the Indian medical fraternity is geared for any eventuality.
