Bombardier Boosts India Push Amid PM Carney's Diplomatic Visit
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Bombardier is targeting India's growing aviation and defence markets, coinciding with Canadian PM Mark Carney's visit to rebuild diplomatic relations.
Key Takeaways
- •Targets India's aviation market, which is forecast to reach $28.96 billion by 2031.
- •Leverages Canadian PM Mark Carney's diplomatic visit aimed at rebuilding bilateral ties.
- •Positions its Global and Challenger jets for both business aviation and special defence missions.
- •Builds on an existing in-service fleet of 60 Bombardier business jets in India.
Canadian aerospace manufacturer Bombardier is signaling a significant strategic push into India’s aviation and defence sectors, leveraging a high-level diplomatic visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The initiative aligns with a broader effort to rebuild economic and political ties between the two nations and capitalize on India's rapidly expanding aerospace market, which is forecast to reach $28.96 billion by 2031.
The move represents a confluence of commercial ambition and geopolitical strategy. As Prime Minister Carney, who assumed office on March 14, 2025, visits Mumbai and New Delhi to reset a relationship previously strained in 2023, Bombardier is positioning itself as a key industrial partner. The backdrop for this push is a mutual goal set by Global Affairs Canada to increase two-way trade to $70 billion annually by 2030, with aerospace and defence identified as pivotal sectors for growth.
A Surging Aviation Market
Bombardier’s interest is underpinned by formidable market projections for Indian aviation. According to a January 2026 market analysis by Mordor Intelligence, India's aviation market is expected to grow from a valuation of USD 16.53 billion in 2026 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.86%. This growth trajectory is supported by statements from Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu, who in early 2026 identified India as the world's third fastest-growing domestic aviation market, with an annual growth rate between 10-12%.
This demand is being met with a massive infrastructure expansion. The Indian government plans to expand its airport network from 165 operational airports to 350 by 2047. This rapid development creates the necessary conditions for growth in all segments of aviation, a point emphasized by Bombardier executives. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has previously forecast that India is on track to become the world's third-largest aviation market, a milestone that requires robust infrastructure and a diverse fleet of aircraft.
Bombardier's Dual-Focus Strategy
Bombardier's approach to the Indian market is two-pronged, targeting both the private business jet sector and government defence contracts.
The company already has a foothold in the country with 60 of its business jets currently in service. Mark Masluch, Senior Director of Communications at Bombardier, noted the direct link between infrastructure and private aviation, stating, "Infrastructure development brings the business case for business aviation... the more places that planes can fly, the more people will use business jets." As India’s economy grows and new airports connect more regional hubs, the demand for point-to-point travel via business jets is expected to increase significantly.
Simultaneously, Bombardier is actively promoting its aircraft as platforms for special mission and defence applications. The company is positioning its Global and Challenger aircraft as flexible platforms for tailored solutions like surveillance, intelligence gathering, and command and control aircraft. This strategy aligns with the Indian government's 'Make in India' initiative, which encourages foreign companies to establish local manufacturing and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. Bombardier is "very keen to work with requirements from air forces and other branches of government who require very tailored solutions from a defence perspective," Masluch added. This includes potential partnerships similar to its collaboration with SAAB on the GlobalEye surveillance platform, which is based on the Global 6500 jet.
What Comes Next
The success of Bombardier's renewed push will likely depend on the progress of the broader Canada-India relationship. Ongoing negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) could further reduce trade barriers and facilitate deeper industrial collaboration. For Bombardier, translating interest into firm orders and partnerships will be the key metric of success.
Bombardier CEO Éric Martel expressed strong optimism, describing India as "a market that is looking to explode in 10 to 15 years." The company will focus on demonstrating how its platforms can meet the specific needs of India's commercial and military operators while navigating the country's complex procurement processes. The outcome of Prime Minister Carney's visit may set the tone for the level of strategic alignment and industrial cooperation possible in the coming years.
Why This Matters
This development highlights the critical link between international diplomacy and the aerospace industry. For Bombardier, gaining a stronger foothold in India is a long-term strategic priority to diversify its market presence. For India, it presents an opportunity to attract foreign investment and technology to support its 'Make in India' ambitions and modernize its aviation infrastructure and defence capabilities. The initiative serves as a key indicator of the health of the renewed Canada-India economic partnership.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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