India needs at least 400 airports and 3,000 aircraft in the next 10 years

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to keep pace with the growing demand, Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said here today.

He said as the aviation industry has been growing at 18 per cent CAGR, the country needs up to 3,000 aircraft in the next ten years.

He also underscored the need for making air travel safer and more secure.

"Our job is not over by creating infrastructure for aviation industry to grow. We need safe and secure aviation. Indian aviation will not grow at the cost of safety and security," the Minister said during the inauguration of India Aviation-2010, a five-day exhibition and conference of international aviation began today.

He said the bidding process for New Mumbai airport is expected to be completed in a year.