Indian carriers are poised for unprecedented growth in fleet expansion, with an estimated addition of 600 planes over the next five years, as highlighted by Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam. Speaking at the “Women in Aviation India Awards 2024” on Thursday, Vualnam underscored the rapid evolution of India’s aviation industry and its infrastructure.
“In the last decade, India’s aviation infrastructure has expanded exponentially, with the number of airports more than doubling from 74 to 157. Passenger traffic has surged from 110 million to 220 million annually, and the aircraft fleet has grown from 400 to 800, projected to reach 1,400 in the next five years,” Vualnam stated. He emphasized that this growth presents abundant career opportunities for women, highlighting their pivotal role in shaping the future of the industry.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) reports that India currently operates 803 commercial aircraft. Of these, 72% belong to European manufacturer Airbus, while 22% come from American aerospace giant Boeing. The remaining fleet comprises planes from other manufacturers.
The projected fleet expansion is fueled by the booming demand in India’s air travel market, which is already one of the fastest-growing in the world. Indian carriers have made significant strides in scaling up their capacities with massive aircraft orders. Notably, the Tata-owned Air India group placed an order in February 2023 for 470 aircraft, split between 250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. Later, in June 2023, IndiGo broke records with the world’s largest single aircraft order, securing 500 A320neo family planes from Airbus.
These sizable investments underline the optimism surrounding India’s aviation sector, which is not just expanding in terms of fleet size but also growing its operational footprint globally. The increased number of aircraft will cater to the rising demand for domestic and international travel while bolstering connectivity across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, aligning with the government’s UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Naagrik) scheme to make flying accessible to all.
With robust infrastructure development and record-breaking aircraft acquisitions, the aviation industry is set to create new opportunities across various domains. As Vualnam pointed out, the burgeoning sector offers immense potential for women to take on leadership and operational roles, ensuring inclusive growth in one of India’s most dynamic industries.
India’s ambitious plans signal a transformative phase for its aviation landscape, with the country on track to become a global powerhouse in air travel. The addition of 600 planes by 2029 is a testament to the industry’s confidence in sustained passenger growth and its commitment to enhancing connectivity and service quality.
