Euphoria in the Indian aviation industry in 2005 is giving way to scepticism and caution as decision-makers now tackle the hard tasks of turning their plans into reality. After massive orders for aircraft were placed last year, industry analysts question how this fleet can be utilised given a dearth of qualified pilots and a woefully inadequate airport infrastructure that will take years to build up. India is now the fourth largest economy in the world. Since dropping the socialist model of development in 1991, the economy has grown at between 6 and 8% annually and is forecast to continue expanding at over 7.5% a year. With higher per capita incomes and the emergence of low-cost airlines, air travel has boomed. The Ministry of Civil Aviation expects an annual 25% growth in the aviation industry over the next five years and investment of $50 billion (£27 billion) over the next ten years according to Civil Aviation Minister, Praful Patel. The government is expected to soon release a major strategy document on India's civil aviation future.
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