Boeing forecasts the India and South Asia commercial aircraft fleet to quadruple by 2043
NEW DELHI - Analysts from the Boeing Company in Arlington County, Va. project that India and South Asia’s commercial aircraft fleet will nearly quadruple over the next 20 years, driven by rising air traffic, economic growth, and increased connectivity. The company’s latest Commercial Market Outlook (CMO) forecasts annual air traffic growth of more than 7% in the region through 2043.
Domestic travel is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing segment, fueled by low-cost carrier expansion and network diversification. Boeing estimates that single-aisle aircraft, such as the 737 MAX, will comprise nearly 90% of deliveries, while the region’s widebody fleet will quadruple as airlines expand long-haul routes, particularly to North America.
"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," said Ashwin Naidu, Boeing’s managing director of commercial marketing for the region. "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."
Boeing also predicts that the region’s cargo freighter fleet will grow fivefold as India strengthens its role in global supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and e-commerce. Demand for pilots, cabin crew, and technicians is expected to reach 129,000, representing the fastest growth rate globally.
The global CMO is available at https://www.boeing.com/commercial/market/commercial-market-outlook/.
