DEVELOPMENTS
IN AVIATION
AND
THEIR
ECONOMIC IMPACT ON INDIA*
Then
and Now
Thirtyeight years ago, in the month of
October, 1932, India witnessed the beginning of commercial aviation. The first
scheduled flight in India was operated from Karachi to Madras by De Havill and
Puss Moth aircraft, which was flown by the great pioneer of civil aviation in
India, Mr. J.R.D. Tata, from Karachi to Bombay and by Mr. Nevill Vintcent from
Bombay to Madras. The first service arrived at Madras on October 16, and the
first west-bound flight left Madras on October 17, 1932. The Puss Moth aircraft
which operated the first scheduled flight had seating capacity for two
passengers and a limited quantity of mail, and the cruising speed was 90 to 100
m.p.h. The next important stage was the introduction of Dakota aircraft with
seating capacity for 21 passengers and a cruising speed of 190 to 200 m.p.h.
The Vikings followed, and when Air-India International Ltd. came into existence
in 1948, it began flying Constellation and later Super Constellation aircraft.
Ten years ago, our fastest aircraft had a maximum cruising speed of about 300 m.p.h.
and today, the Boeing 707 and the new generation of high capacity, wide-bodied
subsonic jet aircraft fly at 600 m.p.h., and the 747 can carry around 400
passengers. From the Puss Moth to the Jumbo Jet in thirtyeight years is a great
revolution in size and speed.
...The benefits of civil air transport have
become so apparent since the middle of this Century that it is hardly possible
to imagine an industrialised society without a system of airports, airlines and
related infra structure....The air transport industry forms part of what some
economists call ‘Social Overhead Capital’; the basic ingredients which are
essential to the working and growth of all other parts of the nation’s economy.
Air transport industry is a vital factor in
nearly every kind of economic activity and with the rapid growth of demand for
fast transport by air of people and goods in the modern world,... The growth of
national income and its distribution has a decided impact on air traffic growth
and improvements in the quality of air service brought about by developments in
aviation technology, particularly in regard to size, speed, productivity,
comfort, regularity and safety factors, have had a tremendous impact on air
traffic growth. There is clear evidence that as the level of incomes increases,
expenditure on foreign travel grows at a much more rapid rate and the high
growth factor, which is an essential characteristic of the air transport
industry, has a sizeable impact on the growth of the economy in terms of
tourism, employment and international trade.
By assisting in the development of tourism
and foreign trade, the airlines are making an important contribution to balance
of payments position and foreign currency earnings. The existence of good air
services also enhances the attractiveness of a country for commercial and
industrial interests, because of communication and trade advantages.
These generalisations and conclusions about
the economic impact of developments in air transport are also true of India.
Conclusion
International Civil Aviation has contributed to the prosperity
of the world, shrinking continents, shortening distances and making this big
world of ours into a vast neighbourhood. Its important contribution of
significance to mankind has been the promotion of friendship and co-operation
between nations and peoples upon which the peace of the world depends and yet
its abuse can become a threat to the general security. It was in the very early
days that Sir Winston Churchill described civil aviation as the greatest
instrument ever forged for international solidarity. Like many of his remarks,
it was prophetic; it was true.
*Extracts from text of a speech given by Mr.K.K. Unni, September
1970
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