Explore the illustrious career of Dr. Vandana Aggarwal, Ph.D., former Senior Economic Adviser, MoCA, GoI. From pioneering policy reforms to navigating crises, delve into her transformative contributions to aviation economics and infrastructure.
Her career blends academic rigour, administrative acumen, and visionary leadership
In the exploration of industry legend Dr. Aggarwal’s remarkable life, her journey unfolds with profound influence and expertise. Trained in economics and finance at the Delhi School of Economics, her academic prowess led to a doctorate from the University of Delhi, focusing on investment and regulatory aspects. Joining the Indian Economic Service in 1986, she swiftly ascended, spearheading pivotal economic reforms. Transitioning to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, her role as Senior Economic Adviser marked a pinnacle, overseeing critical domains including air cargo, logistics, and aviation financing amidst exponential sector growth and navigating the tumultuous waters of the global COVID-2019 pandemic. Her trajectory epitomizes a seamless fusion of academic rigor, administrative acumen, and visionary leadership, leaving an indelible mark on India’s aviation and economic landscape.
Soaring success
Dr. Aggarwal’s tenure as the former senior economic adviser at the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) witnessed groundbreaking achievements that revolutionised the civil aviation sector in India. Upon assuming her role, she encountered the impending implementation of the GST Acts, prompting an exhaustive review of tax rates and regulations to ensure their alignment with industry growth and development goals. Through meticulous collaboration with the Department of Revenue and stakeholders, she navigated the complexities of tax reform, laying the groundwork for a more robust aviation economy.
Her tenure at MoCA revolutionised India’s civil aviation with groundbreaking achievements
Among her notable accomplishments was the drafting of the inaugural National Air Cargo Policy, which facilitated the establishment of a global air freight corridor connecting India and Afghanistan. Additionally, her strategic initiatives facilitated multimodal transportation routes linking Bangladesh to Europe via Indian airports, enhancing regional connectivity and trade prospects. Furthermore, her efforts led to the establishment of multi-skill development centers aimed at empowering Indian farmers with affordable air transportation options through the Krishi Udaan Scheme, particularly vital during the COVID-2019 pandemic lockdown.
Her extensive experience in international trade agreements, acquired over 12 years of work on various WTO agreements, played a pivotal role in shaping national policies. Her expertise was instrumental in the formulation of the National Logistics Policy and the National Infrastructure Pipeline, laying the groundwork for streamlined logistics operations and infrastructure development across the country.
She spearheaded the establishment of a greenfield aircraft financing and leasing ecosystem in India, leveraging the International Financial Services Centre’s initiative at GIFT-City, Gandhinagar. This initiative facilitated smoother transactions and increased investment in aviation infrastructure, fostering a conducive environment for industry growth.
Additionally, Dr. Aggarwal introduced pivotal tax and regulatory reforms in the MRO sector, alongside initiatives to promote convergence between the civil aviation and defence aerospace sectors. Her visionary approach aimed to enhance operational efficiencies and foster innovation in aircraft manufacturing and maintenance processes.
Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-2019 pandemic, Dr. Aggarwal demonstrated exemplary crisis management skills, orchestrating emergency airlifts of essential supplies and vaccines. Her steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens underscored her role as a dynamic leader in the aviation sector, leaving an indelible mark on India’s aviation landscape.
Bridging silos, building value
During her tenure, Dr. Aggarwal tackled the complexity of managing diverse stakeholders within aviation services. Recognising the varied interests within supply chains, she emphasized the importance of aligning policy and tax proposals to enhance collaboration. By strengthening each supply chain and fostering complementarities, stakeholders became more engaged and energised. She stressed the significance of maintaining neutrality and transparency in policymaking to build trust among stakeholders. Additionally, she prioritized communication with other ministries to ensure alignment and coordination across government bodies. Through these efforts, she facilitated effective collaboration and alignment among association members and stakeholders, contributing to the advancement of the aviation sector in India.
Stakeholder engagement
Dr. Aggarwal prioritized relationship-building in the industry by bridging policy gaps and simplifying regulations. Utilizing both physical and digital platforms, she engaged stakeholders and promoted ownership of proposed changes. Her emphasis on detailed research ensured informed decision-making, fostering meaningful discussions and consensus among governmental and non-governmental bodies. Her approach facilitated collaboration among association members, industry partners, and government bodies, driving growth and development in the aviation sector.
Aviation outlook
Dr. Aggarwal provides insight into India’s evolving cargo, logistics, and aviation landscape. She highlights the sector’s strategic depth and emphasizes its growing importance in the global supply chain. With initiatives like “Make in India,” airports’ development and enhanced airline capacities, the industry is poised for substantial growth. However, challenges such as infrastructure development and maintaining growth momentum remain. She stresses the need for concerted efforts to achieve targets like handling 10 million metric tons of air cargo annually, ensuring the sector’s sustained growth amidst evolving economic and geopolitical dynamics.
Future advice
Dr. Aggarwal advises young professionals to cultivate a unique vision, dedication, and research-driven innovation in the aviation industry. Stressing teamwork, humility, and integrity, she highlights civil aviation as a realm for personal and professional growth.
