Join our new batch for CPL ground classes at VYAA
Call/whatsapp on 8368000320 or 9999775919
Register on www.vyaa.in
Follow me on instagram- / tapshi
India is the world’s third-largest aviation market, behind the US and China, and is the fastest-growing. The history of Indian aviation is closely tied with that of Air India and state control, with its roots in the 1930s. So, how did India become the aviation hub it is today?
Indian aviation kicked off in 1932, with the introduction of the first airline, Tata Air Services. The airline, founded by J.R.D Tata, started as an airmail carrier within India after winning a contract with Imperial Airways. The airline flew its inaugural flight in October 1932, flying from Karachi to Mumbai.
The airline progressed from a small freight airline to a commercial passenger airline. By 1938, the airline was renamed to Tata Airlines and was flying domestic flights to a number of destinations. J.R.D Tata was himself heavily involved in the airline, he flew the airline’s inaugural flight in 1932 and was India’s first licensed pilot. Tata Airways also played a role in the Second World War, carrying troops and supplies for Britain during the war.
In 1947, following Indian independence, Tata Airways was renamed Air India and the government took a 49% stake in the airline. The airline began flying its first international flights in the next year, flying from Mumbai to London on a Lockheed Constellation.
By the 1950s, India was home to a number of smaller airlines, operating in the different parts of the country. Some notable airlines were Deccan Airways based in Hyderabad and Kalinga Airlines based in Kolkata. Air India remained the national carrier, flying multiple domestic and international routes.
In 1953, the Indian government nationalized the aviation industry, taking control of all major airlines. This resulted in the eight major airlines being merged into two airlines run by the government. These two airlines were Air India and Indian Airlines.