Airlines in India and South Asia are set to expand their fleets by 2,835 new commercial aircraft over the next two decades to meet the growing demand for air travel, according to a new forecast from Boeing. In its latest Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), Boeing predicts that the demand for new planes will be driven by India’s expanding economy and rapidly increasing domestic air traffic, with annual growth in the region expected to surpass 7%.
Boeing’s forecast indicates that the commercial fleet in India and South Asia will nearly quadruple over the next 20 years, building on consistent growth seen in the previous decade. This growth is expected to be fueled by rising air traffic, stronger economic performance, improved connectivity, and policies that promote air travel liberalization. Domestic air travel in India is anticipated to remain the largest and fastest-growing sector, with the expansion of low-cost carriers and route diversification enabling airlines to serve more destinations across the region.
“The India and South Asia market remains the fastest-growing in global aviation, driven by economic growth, increasing household incomes, and significant infrastructure investments,” said Ashwin Naidu, Boeing’s Managing Director of Commercial Marketing for India and South Asia.
According to the CMO, the demand for more fuel-efficient aircraft will be key to meeting the increasing travel needs. The forecast highlights that nearly 90% of all commercial jet deliveries in the next 20 years will consist of single-aisle models like the 737 MAX, offering airlines greater flexibility on growing short- and medium-haul routes.
The widebody fleet in the region is expected to grow fourfold, with aircraft such as the 787 Dreamliner and 777X helping airlines expand long-haul routes, particularly between India and North America, where capacity has doubled in the last decade. The CMO further estimates that from 2024 to 2043, 2,445 single-aisle and 370 widebody aircraft will be delivered to India and South Asia.
In addition, the cargo freighter fleet in the region is expected to grow five times as large, reflecting the increasing role of the region in global supply chains, manufacturing, and e-commerce. The demand for aviation professionals is also projected to rise dramatically, with a need for 129,000 pilots, cabin crew, and technicians, marking the fastest growth rate globally in this sector.
