AIRLINE INDUSTRY With a growth rate of 18 per cent per annum, the Indian aviation industry is one of the fastest growing aviation industries in the world. The government's open sky policy has led to many overseas players entering the market and the industry has been growing both in terms of players and number of aircrafts. Today, private airlines account for around 75 per cent share of the domestic aviation market. The Indian aviation industry has witnessed an impressive growth during the past few years, with major contribution from the civil aviation segment. The market has been strongly supported by the government and the private sector. Availability of skilled manpower along with favourable business environment will position India as one of the most attractive investment destinations in the coming years. It is currently the 9th largest market in the world. By 2020, Indian airports are expected to handle more than 100 million passengers including 60 million domestic passengers and around 3.4 million tones of cargo per annum. The number of passengers carried by the domestic airlines during January–February 2011 was 9.51 million as against 7.95 million in the corresponding period in 2010, thereby registering a growth of 19.6 per cent, according to the latest data released by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The investment opportunities emerging out of this sector are primarily in terms of : • Construction, upgradation and operation of new and existing airports including cargo related infrastructure. • Outsourcing of some of the operation and maintenance functions such as cargo handling services and commercial development. • Consulting opportunities for airport design and architecture, traffic studies and project supervision. • Setting up of non-aeronautical activities like shopping complex, golf course, entertainment park and aero-sports near the airport.