India's imports of aircraft, turbojets and helicopters up sharply

The import of aeroplanes, turbojets, and helicopters into India's aviation industry has increased tremendously, according to the Commerce Ministry's import alert list published on Tuesday, December 6.

In reaction to the massive rise, the Aviation Ministry asked the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), National Aerospace Laboratories, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FlCCl), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), and  Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) to determine what measures may be taken to mitigate the surge of non-essential imports.

According to the data, India's total imports of powered aircraft with an unladen weight greater than 15,000 kg increased by 56.5 percent in April to September year on year.

Additionally, the import of turbojets with a thrust greater than 25 KN surged by 34 percent in April-Sept YoY. The import of helicopters with an unladen weight of more over 2,000 kg increased by 42 percent during the same period.