Regional delegation leads trade mission to India from Birmingham Airport
A Ministerial delegation has set off for India’s capital from Birmingham Airport, aiming to boost trade links.
Led by Communities Secretary James Brokenshire, who is the Ministerial Champion for the Midlands Engine, and West Midlands Mayor Andy Street, the delegation is looking to develop trade links with the world’s seventh largest economy.
The air transport links between Birmingham and India already connect families and provide a gateway into the West Midlands for tourists and students attending UK universities.
Around 657,000 passengers having flown with Air India to multiple destinations in India since 2013. In that time, travel between Birmingham and Delhi has grown by 88 per cent while travel to Amritsar has grown by 314 per cent,.
As part of the trip, the delegation will be calling for an increase to the frequency of these important flights and the launch of new services to other key cities in India.
West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “The Delhi and Amritsar routes are key for both the Indian diaspora in the Midlands and for the business community. I am keen to grow these routes with the Airport and Air India, and explore connectivity between Birmingham and India’s other major hubs”
James Brokenshire, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said: “The Midlands and Maharashtra are thriving tech hubs in their own right, and by bringing these two great regions together we are strengthening our technological and economic ties to the benefit of our people and businesses.
“Whether it’s manufacturing the latest car model or sharing ground-breaking research, there is a lot to be gained and I’m determined we make the most of the opportunities, particularly as prepare to leave the European Union.”
International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox added: “Connectivity is a key driver of global commerce and increasing the frequency of flights between the Midlands and India is crucial to growing our wider trade relationship which is now worth close to £20bn.
“My international economic department will continue to work with partners like Birmingham Airport and the West Midlands Combined Authority to enhance commercial ties and promote trade around the world.”
Jo Lloyd, business development director at Birmingham Airport said: “The Midlands has a special relationship with India and we believe Birmingham Airport is uniquely placed to be a strategically important gateway into the UK from destinations across the Indian sub-continent. Strongly supported by our regional partners, we are developing the choice of flights available to passengers seeking to travel on business, for leisure and to visit family and friends.
“Birmingham Airport has seen enormous growth in the number of passengers flying to India and we anticipate that this growth will continue into the future.
“We welcome the Secretary of State and Mayor to the airport and look forward to helping them deliver more flights and economic prosperity for the people of our region.”
