• Air transport is the transportation of goods and passengers by means of aeroplane and helicopters. 
• It is very efficient means for speedy transport of people, mail & goods. 
• It is very essential in times of peace as well as during emergencies. 
• The first air travelling facility was started in India between Bangalore and Hyderabad by “Deccan Airways” in the year 1946. 
• Indian Airways was nationalized in the year 1953. 
• In the year 1996 state airport of Bangalore was declared as an International Airport.

Civil Aviation :- Air transport used for commercial purpose is called civil Aviation.

There are two types of air transport in India namely:

1. The Indian Airlines Corporation to operate internal routes. 

2. Air India International to operate on external routes.

1. The Indian Airlines Corporation :

• Carries passengers cargo and mail to different regions of the country. 
• It operates from 55 domestic stations and provides air service to remote areas. 
• At present the Indian Airlines Corporation has more than 70 air crafts. 
• It connects all the important places in India & neigh bouring countries namely Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Mynmar and Srilanka.

2. The Air India :

• It carries foreign traffic of passengers and cargo. 
• It was established in 1953. – 
• It provides services to 97 destinations outside the country. 
• It operates 59 stations of which 16 are domestic and 25 international. 
• Air India own a fleet of 22 air crafts.