Jeet Adani Details Ambitious Vision for Airport Business, Expanding AAHL’s Footprint
Jeet Adani, Director of Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL), has charted an ambitious path for India’s airport infrastructure, forecasting nearly Rs 1 trillion in investments over the coming years. AAHL, which oversees seven major airports across India and is spearheading the Navi Mumbai airport project, aims to dominate the nation’s aviation and city-side development sectors.
Jeet Adani, the younger son of industrialist Gautam Adani, took over the group’s airport business in 2022 following a period in Adani Enterprises’ strategic finance division. A University of Pennsylvania engineering graduate, Jeet also manages the group’s digital and defense ventures. In an exclusive interview with Business Standard in Ahmedabad, the 27-year-old shared his vision for AAHL, which is nearing a significant milestone with its impending public listing.
- Consolidation in Airlines: Opportunities and Risks
Addressing the impact of airline consolidation, particularly the growing duopoly of Air India and IndiGo, Adani highlighted more advantages than risks for airports. While acknowledging potential “concentration risk,” he believes that stronger, more competitive airlines will benefit airports by increasing international traffic and boosting non-aero revenues. Long-term relationships with airlines like Air India and IndiGo are vital, enabling AAHL to better plan for future expansions, including the Navi Mumbai airport.
- Expedited Construction Plans
Central to Adani’s strategy is the Navi Mumbai airport, set to open in March 2025. AAHL has secured soft commitments from airlines for the new hub and is under pressure to accelerate the construction timeline. Phase 2 of the project, initially planned for 2027-2028, will commence next year to meet rising demand. Adani indicated that the capacity of the first phase would soon be fully utilized.
- Going public
AAHL plans to go public once key “trigger points” are met. These include the successful commercialization of Navi Mumbai airport, development of city-side projects around major terminals, and growth in non-aero revenues. Jeet Adani expects the airport’s EBITDA to rise from $300 million to up to $1.5 billion within two to three years, signaling the group’s readiness for a listing.
- Boosting Non-Aero Revenue Growth
Non-aero revenues, currently comprising nearly half of AAHL’s total revenue, are a major growth focus. Adani outlined a strategy to optimize airport retail and other commercial services by tailoring offerings to specific consumer demographics based on factors like city, gender, and travel purpose. This approach aims to achieve a 15-20% revenue increase this year and next.
Jeet Adani emphasized the strategic importance of integrating robust infrastructure development with innovative commercial strategies. The investments and initiatives outlined highlight AAHL’s commitment to enhancing India’s aviation landscape, leveraging both aero and non-aero opportunities to drive substantial growth.
As AAHL prepares for its public listing, the successful execution of these plans will be crucial. The anticipated rise in EBITDA and strategic advancements in airport infrastructure and non-aero revenue streams position AAHL to strengthen its market standing and deliver significant value to shareholders.
