India and South Asia’s commercial airplane fleet is set to expand nearly four times over the next two decades as the demand for air travel continues to rise. Boeing’s latest Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) reports that air traffic in the region will grow by more than 7% annually through 2043, supported by economic expansion, improved connectivity, and policies that encourage air travel.
Strong Growth in Domestic and International Travel
Domestic air travel will remain the biggest and fastest-growing sector in India’s market, with low-cost carriers expanding their networks and offering more destinations. The increasing number of routes will give more passengers access to India air travel, fueling further market growth.
Boeing projects that nearly 90% of aircraft deliveries in the next 20 years will be single-aisle jets such as the 737 MAX. These fuel-efficient airplanes will allow airlines to operate short- and medium-haul routes more efficiently. At the same time, widebody aircraft, including the 787 Dreamliner and 777X, will become more common as airlines expand their long-haul networks. The number of widebody aircraft is expected to quadruple, supporting the growing demand for international travel, especially on routes between India and North America, where capacity has already doubled in the past decade.
“The India and South Asia region continues to be the world’s fastest-growing commercial aviation market due to strong economic and trade growth, rising household incomes and investments in infrastructure and development,” said Ashwin Naidu, Boeing managing director of Commercial Marketing for India and South Asia. “As our CMO shows, people will have greater access to air travel, and the region’s airlines will require a modern fuel-efficient fleet to meet increased demand over the next two decades.”
Expanding Cargo Operations and Workforce Demand
Cargo operations in India and South Asia will experience major expansion, with the number of freighter aircraft increasing five times over the next 20 years. Boeing forecasts that both new and converted freighters will be in demand as the region strengthens its position in global supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and e-commerce.
Alongside fleet expansion, demand for aviation professionals will rise sharply. The number of pilots, cabin crew, and technicians needed in the region is projected to reach 129,000, making it the fastest-growing workforce demand globally to support the burgeoning India air travel industry.
Aircraft Deliveries Over the Next 20 Years
Between 2024 and 2043, Boeing anticipates delivering 2,835 new aircraft in India and South Asia. This includes fewer than 10 regional jets, 2,445 single-aisle aircraft, 370 widebody jets, and 20 freighters.
India and South Asia’s aviation sector is on track for rapid development, driven by increasing air travel demand, growing airline networks, and a rising need for skilled professionals to foster the growth of India air travel.
