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German Consulate General Says EU-India Free Trade Agreement Could Boost Aviation Cooperation

EU-India Free Trade Agreement Poised to Enhance Aviation Cooperation
BENGALURU — The proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the European Union and India holds significant promise for advancing collaboration within the aviation sector, according to Annett Baessler, Deputy Consul General of the German Consulate General in Bengaluru. Speaking at the 9th International Conference on the Future of Aviation and Aerospace 2026, hosted by IIM Bangalore in partnership with TBS Education, France, Baessler emphasized the potential for growth in areas such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), workforce development, and deeper integration between the Indian and European aviation industries.
Opportunities and Challenges in Aviation Collaboration
Baessler highlighted Europe’s highly integrated aviation market as a source of competitive advantage for German and European companies on the global stage. She noted that India, currently the world’s fifth-largest aviation market, is projected to become the third-largest within the next decade, rapidly emerging as a key manufacturing and design hub. European firms are actively supporting this expansion, with Airbus alone holding approximately 1,250 aircraft orders from Indian customers. The Indian MRO sector is also expected to grow substantially, with projections estimating its value at $9.5 billion over the next ten years.
Despite these promising prospects, Baessler acknowledged that fully leveraging the EU-India FTA’s potential in aviation will require careful navigation of complex regulatory frameworks to ensure mutual benefits for both regions. The agreement is also likely to intensify competition from other global aviation players, compelling airlines and service providers to adapt to a more dynamic market environment. Both Europe and India are anticipated to increase investment in aviation infrastructure, creating new opportunities for companies engaged in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance services.
Insights from Industry Experts
Prof. S Raghunath, chair of the conference at IIM Bangalore, underscored India’s established strengths in MRO and lifecycle intelligence, drawing attention to the country’s longstanding role as the IT backbone of the world. He remarked, “While aircraft sales generate revenue, far greater value lies in keeping those aircraft operational. We already have the technology, the engineering talent, and the skilled workforce needed to capitalize on it.”
During a panel discussion, Sunil Bhaskaran, director of the Air India Aviation Academy, pointed out that air travel penetration in India remains low, with only about one-tenth of the population currently flying. He suggested that the FTA could unlock significant growth potential by encouraging greater collaboration and investment in the sector.
Kota Harinarayana, former programme director and chief designer of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, reflected on India’s achievements in military aviation during a panel on “Make in India – The Achievements of Indian Companies.” He noted that while India has developed a robust ecosystem for combat aircraft manufacturing and technology, a similar focus on civil aviation is necessary to fully realize the sector’s potential.
Outlook for EU-India Aviation Partnership
As negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement continue, stakeholders remain optimistic that the accord could act as a catalyst for deeper cooperation in aviation. Although challenges related to regulatory alignment and increased competition persist, the evolving partnership is expected to generate new momentum for innovation and growth, benefiting both regions and contributing to the advancement of the global aviation industry.

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