Why Airbus Predicts India's Airline Fleet Will Triple to 2,250 Jets by 2035
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Airbus forecasts Indian airline fleets will triple to 2,250 aircraft in the next decade, driven by economic growth and low per capita air travel.
Key Takeaways
- •Airbus forecasts Indian airline fleets will triple to 2,250 aircraft over the next ten years, driven by strong economic growth.
- •The market is severely underpenetrated, with per capita air travel at only 0.13 trips, indicating vast growth potential.
- •Airbus holds a firm backlog of 1,250 aircraft for Indian carriers, the largest with any country globally.
- •The expansion requires significant infrastructure investment, including 50 new airports, and a need for 35,000 pilots and 34,000 technicians by 2040.
Airbus projects a massive expansion for India’s commercial aviation sector. The manufacturer expects Indian airline fleets to triple in size. This growth will push the total fleet to approximately 2,250 aircraft over the next ten years, or by 2035. The forecast was released at India’s biennial civil aviation air show.
This aggressive growth is fueled by several economic factors. Steady economic expansion is creating a large, rising middle class. This group includes a growing number of first-time air travelers. India is already the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market.
Market Potential and Key Drivers
India’s current air travel rate remains significantly underpenetrated. Per capita air travel stands at just 0.13 trips. This is far below levels seen in comparable global regions. This low base signals a huge potential for air travel adoption.
Jürgen Westermeier, President and MD of Airbus India and South Asia, highlighted this potential. He noted the strong alignment between airline demand and middle-class growth. The market is currently dominated by major carriers IndiGo and Air India. These airlines have placed record-breaking orders recently.
The Aircraft Order Backlog
Airbus currently holds a massive backlog of 1,250 aircraft for Indian carriers. This is the manufacturer’s largest backlog with any single country. Deliveries are expected to average 120 aircraft per year over the next decade. This equates to more than two new aircraft delivered every week.
Most of the demand centers on the single-aisle segment. The A320 Family aircraft remains the core of the fleet expansion. However, the forecast also points to a need for widebody aircraft. This is essential for Indian carriers to capture a larger share of profitable long-haul international routes. The Airbus A350 is positioned as a key solution for this long-range travel growth.
Industry Challenges and Infrastructure Needs
This rapid Indian airline fleet expansion presents significant challenges. The entire aviation ecosystem must scale up quickly. Boeing, a key rival, also sees strong growth. Boeing estimated the India and South Asia region will need nearly 3,300 new aircraft by 2044. This underscores the region’s importance as a global battleground for planemakers.
Infrastructure and personnel demand are critical areas of concern:
- Airports: India is expected to add around 50 new airports in the next ten years. This would bring the total number of airports to approximately 200.
- Personnel: The industry will require an additional 35,000 pilots and 34,000 technicians by 2040. This massive need requires a robust talent pipeline and training infrastructure.
- MRO: Major airlines are setting up their own Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities. This will help serve the growing domestic demand and regional needs.
Additionally, the recently concluded India-EU trade agreement is expected to benefit the aerospace sector. Lower tariffs on certain aerospace services will support the industry’s growth. The sustained commercial aircraft demand highlights India’s transition into a mature global aviation power.
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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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