Indian aviation sector set for major boom at Wings India

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Indian aviation is set to soar with new Boeing, Airbus deals and a focus on international routes at the Wings India event in Hyderabad.

This week, Indian aviation companies along with leading aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus are poised to announce significant new deals, highlighting their focus on international routes in an increasingly vibrant aviation sector. The event, Wings India, taking place in Hyderabad from Thursday to Sunday, will attract a diverse audience including leasing firms and government officials, signaling India’s ambition to rival major aviation centers like Dubai and Singapore.

India’s Civil Aviation Minister, Jyotiraditya Scindia, recently told Reuters that the nation’s air traffic, airport infrastructure, and aircraft fleets are poised for double-digit growth in the coming years. Despite India’s status as the fastest-growing global aviation market, most international air traffic is currently served by international airlines like Emirates, rather than Indian carriers.

The country’s latest airline, Akasa, set to commence international flights in 2024, is rumored to be announcing a purchase of approximately 150 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody jets at the upcoming aviation show. This adds to the substantial orders already placed by India’s larger airlines. The specifics of Akasa’s order, particularly whether it includes Boeing’s 737 Max 9 aircraft, which has recently faced scrutiny due to safety concerns, remains unclear. Currently, no Indian airlines operate the 737 Max 9 model.

Despite the financial challenges faced by budget airlines GoFirst and SpiceJet, and the collapse of two other airlines since 2011, the Indian aviation industry is experiencing a resurgence. This revival is attributed to the growth of regional carriers and government incentives promoting flights to smaller cities, as noted by Scindia.

India is making a significant investment, nearly $12 billion, in developing new airports and upgrading existing ones. The goal is to increase the number of operational airports to about 200 in the next five years, up from the current 150. Forecasts suggest a dramatic rise in global passenger traffic, with domestic passengers expected to reach 350 million by 2030, a significant increase from 152 million in 2023. International passenger numbers are also projected to rise, reaching 160 million, according to data from aviation consultancy CAPA India and government sources.

« Back to Page

• Turkish Airlines Strikes Major Deal with Airbus and Rolls-Royce, Ordering 230 New Aircraft in a Landmark Agreement

• Airbus Launches Pléiades Neo Next Program to Boost Earth Observation Capabilities

• IndiGo Signs Major Deal with Airbus for A350-900 Aircraft to Extend Global Reach

• Airbus Helicopters’ Racer Takes to the Skies in First Flight Milestone

• Condor Acquires New Airbus A320neo from Avolon in Fleet Expansion Effort