INDIA AND NEW ZEALAND EYE DEEPER SKIES
- BEdge Correspondent
- Nov 6
- 2 min read
Fresh momentum in aviation partnership
India’s aviation ambitions have received a further boost following the meeting between India’s Union Minister for Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, and Nikhil Ravishankar, Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand, during the minister’s official visit to New Zealand.
Held en route to Rotorua as part of India’s fourth round of Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations with New Zealand, the discussion underscored the growing appeal of India’s aviation market and the opportunities it presents for global carriers.
Goyal emphasised that the conversation spanned India’s expanding aviation ecosystem, including enhanced regional connectivity, infrastructure development, and cross-border airline collaboration.
“Delighted to meet Nikhil Ravishankar … talked about the airline’s impressive role in regional connectivity. Also discussed India’s expanding aviation sector and the exciting new opportunities that it offers.” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Notably, Air India and Air New Zealand are exploring the launch of direct flights by 2028, a move expected to strengthen people-to-people ties and business linkages between the two countries.
Beyond aviation, Goyal highlighted the broader trade agenda: the bilateral merchandise trade between India and New Zealand reached US $1.3 billion in FY2024-25, up nearly 49 per cent year-on-year, signalling fertile ground for deeper economic engagement.
For business stakeholders, the take-aways are clear:
India’s aviation sector remains a high-growth frontier—with demand for both domestic connectivity and international linkages.
Global carriers and aviation-service providers may increasingly view India as a strategic hub, not just for routes but for infrastructure, MRO (maintenance, repair & overhaul) and allied services.
Bilateral and regional trade initiatives (such as the India-New Zealand FTA being negotiated) will further support aviation partnerships by reducing regulatory and market barriers.
In short, the Goyal-Ravishankar meeting is more than a courtesy call—it signals that India is opening its airspace and infrastructure to deeper global collaboration, and international airlines should take notice.
