Airbus expects India’s commercial fleet to triple to 2,250 aircraft by 2035 as the domestic aviation market expands and carriers pursue international growth. The company projects passenger traffic to grow at eight point nine per cent compound annually over the next 10 years, prompting assessment of infrastructure and the aviation system required to support such expansion. The plan contemplates an increase to around 200 airports in 10 years, equating to 50 additional airports, and foresees a tripling of the operational fleet.

An associated outcome will be a substantial rise in cargo capacity, with annual capacity set to exceed five million (mn) tonne (t), representing roughly a threefold increase on current levels. Despite the growth trajectory, India remains a nascent market with 850 aircraft today and trips per capita at zero point one three, figures that underline continuing scope for market penetration and increased use of aviation as a means of transport.

Indian carriers have placed orders for more than 1,700 aircraft, and 72 per cent of the backlog is with Airbus. The maintenance market is expected to expand from three billion (bn) dollars today to nine point five bn dollars within 10 years, encompassing airframe, component and engine maintenance, repair and overhaul activities. This expansion is likely to stimulate demand for technical services, spare parts production and related supply chain activities across the country.

To keep the scaled up fleet airworthy, the requirement for pilots is projected to rise to 35,000 by 2035 from about 12,000 today, while the technical workforce must expand to 34,000 from 11,000. Airbus is establishing final assembly lines for the Airbus H125 helicopter, which is scheduled for delivery next year, and sourcing in India stands at one point five bn dollars with more than half comprised of complex parts including doors. The company is also exploring raw material composites to further strengthen domestic sourcing and support a broader manufacturing ecosystem.