With the advent of the open air policy, India has managed to register a large growth in the aviation sector as India is well on it way to become the second largest air traffic market in the world, Ajith Singh, the aviation minister said today.

Quoting statistics that there were over 162 million passengers flew by the domestic carriers in 2011-2012 which is a major improvement over the figure 143 million that represents the stats of the previous year. In doing so, Ajith tried to attract more private firms to invest in the aviation sector. He also insinuated that the Kolkata and the Chennai airports may soon be handed over to private parties in a PPP model.

Revealing data from the International Air Transport Association, India, he said, was soon on its way to become the second largest passenger traffic market in less than a decade. He speculated that the number of domestic travelers will reach 336 millions while there would be at least 84 million international air passengers reaching India.

(AW- Anil)