Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, recently met with Bombardier CEO Eric Martel to discuss potential 'transformative partnerships' within the aviation industry. Adani shared the highlights of their discussions on X, emphasizing their goal of strengthening India's self-reliance in the sector.

“Powering India's aviation growth! Had a productive discussion with @Bombardier CEO Eric Martel on transformative collaborations in Aircraft Services, MRO, and Defence”, Adani stated, adding that both companies are working together to capitalize on synergies for India’s aviation growth.

The Adani Group’s entry into civil aviation aligns with its strategy to apply its infrastructure expertise to enhance airport services. Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), a fully-owned subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Ltd., was formed in 2019 to lead these efforts. Currently, AAHL manages seven major airports, including Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Jaipur. The forthcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), expected to join the portfolio by December 2024, will increase their total to eight airports, reinforcing their leadership in India's airport infrastructure.

AAHL already accounts for 25 per cent of the country’s passenger footfalls and 33 per cent of air cargo traffic. The Rs 16,700 crore NMIA project is designed to handle 20 million passengers annually, with seamless connectivity through the Atal Setu and metro rail.

In a notable event, the Indian Air Force will conduct its first fighter jet landing trial on NMIA’s runway on October 5, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in attendance. This trial marks a significant step as NMIA gears up for the launch of its two operational phases, further advancing India’s aviation landscape.