The fast-growing economies of China and India will largely shape the future of aviation in Asia and the world as consumer demand continues to grow in those countries.

"What is clear is that China and India's trade and traffic with the rest of Asia will shape the future of aviation in the region," Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont said in his keynote speech at the "The Future of Aviation" forum held in Bangkok recently. The event was organized by Asia News Network, Star Alliance and Thai Airways International.

He noted that as average incomes in the region increase and more people travel, intra-Asia air traffic is forecast to expand by 8.4 percent annually through 2021. He said it will exceed the Asia-North American market, which will grow at 7.5 percent, and travel between Asia and Europe, which will grow 7 percent.

China is seen as the largest emerging market in the region with an annual growth rate of 14 percent from 2001 to 2005. In 2005 alone China's aviation industry grew by 35 percent.

Its domestic market has 1,068 air routes serving 140 cities, while its international coverage has 268 air routes to 91 cities in 42 countries.

Zhang Hexiang, Head of the Institute of Economy of Management Research of the Aviation Industry Development Research Center of China, said construction of airports is also growing at a rapid pace and there will be 200 airports in China built by 2010 and 250 by 2020.

She said that due to the growing demand, there is a "severe shortage" of pilots in the country. At the moment, China has 10,000 pilots and 998 aircraft.

To meet the shortage, she said China will recruit 2,000 pilots over the next five years to replace retiring pilots as well as to fill positions in new aircraft.

She forecast that demand for aircraft will increase by 3,110 planes in 2025, 81 percent of which will be used to meet rising demand in the number of passengers.

India, like China, is facing similar challenges in growing consumer demand for better infrastructure and more aircraft.

Pradeep Panicker, Vice President of Delhi International Airport Ltd, noted that many of India's airports do not meet international standards. Among the challenges he cited are lack of investment and aging infrastructure.