Airbus Forecasts Indian Airline Fleets Will Triple to 2,250 Jets by 2035

Airbus announced a significant Airbus India fleet forecast for the country’s aviation sector. The manufacturer expects Indian airline fleets to nearly triple in size. This massive expansion is projected to reach approximately 2,250 commercial jets over the next ten years, culminating around 2035.

The forecast was presented at the Wings India 2026 air show. The outlook highlights India's position as a critical global market for aerospace. The nation is currently the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market.

Drivers of Indian Aviation Market Growth

This rapid expansion is fueled by several key economic and social factors. Steady economic growth is increasing disposable incomes across the country. A rapidly expanding middle class is leading to a surge in first-time air travelers.

Airbus projects passenger traffic will see a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9% over the decade. This robust growth is expected to propel India to the world’s third-largest overall aviation market.

• Per capita air travel remains low at just 0.13 trips.
• This low base suggests significant untapped potential for future adoption.
• The government's focus on enhanced air connectivity also supports this growth.

Industry Impact and Challenges

The projected Indian airline fleet tripling will create immense demand across the entire aviation ecosystem. The market is currently dominated by major carriers like IndiGo and Air India. Both airlines have placed massive aircraft orders in recent years.

Infrastructure and Workforce Demand

Meeting the fleet expansion requires substantial investment beyond just new aircraft. The India aviation market growth will strain existing infrastructure and human resources. Airbus anticipates the need for around 200 operational airports within the next ten years.

This growth also translates into a huge demand for skilled personnel:

• Pilot and technician demand is set to nearly triple.
• Approximately 35,000 new pilots will be needed by 2035.
• The technical workforce must grow to about 34,000.

MRO Market Expansion

The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector is also poised for dramatic growth. The domestic MRO market expansion is expected to triple in value. This market could grow from approximately $3 billion to about $9.5 billion over the decade. This includes services for airframe, component, and engine MRO.

This outlook underscores the intense competition between global manufacturers. Competitor Boeing also released a comparable outlook. Boeing projects the region will require nearly 3,300 new aircraft by 2044. The majority of this commercial aircraft demand is expected to be for fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft variants.

Stay ahead of the airline industry with commercial aviation news from flying.flights.

Get the latest updates on major hubs, regional terminals, and airport operations via the Airports section at flying.flights/airports.