11-12 June 2025
Hall 4, Bombay Exhibition Centre, 
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The Indian passenger aircraft fleet is poised for remarkable growth, projected to increase from 720 aircraft at the end of 2023 to over 3,800 within the next two decades, according to the 2024 Cirium Fleet Forecast. This surge in fleet size will enhance Indian airlines’ share of the Asia-Pacific passenger fleet from the current 8% to an impressive 18% by 2043. For the first time, India has been considered separately from the broader Asia-Pacific region in this forecast, reflecting its emerging status as a key player in global commercial aviation.
In 2023, Indian airlines led the world in aircraft orders, securing the second-largest order volume globally, trailing only behind the United States. By March 2025, it is anticipated that Indian carriers will have placed orders for approximately 2,000 planes, with major contributions from Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air, who have already secured a combined total of 1,620 aircraft.
Regional Trends in Fleet Growth
The overall growth trend in Asia remains robust, with the region expected to account for about 45% of new aircraft deliveries. China is projected to contribute significantly to this growth, comprising around 20% of total deliveries—almost matching North America’s figures. Over the next two decades, India’s fleet is expected to expand at an annual rate of 8.7%, increasing its global fleet share from 3% to 8%. In contrast, China’s fleet growth is anticipated at a slower pace of 4.3%, which will elevate its global share to about 20%. North America’s growth rate is expected to remain modest at 1.8%. Europe is projected to maintain the third-largest fleet share at 18%, slightly ahead of other Asia-Pacific countries. The Middle East’s share is also expected to grow to 5%.
Implications for the Aviation Industry
The Cirium Fleet Forecast highlights a significant shift in the aviation landscape, indicating that demand for new aircraft will continue to rise as airlines seek to modernize and expand their fleets. Rob Morris, global head of Cirium, noted that while there are challenges related to supply chain issues and manufacturing delays that could impact delivery times for many airlines, the long-term outlook remains positive.
As competition among aircraft manufacturers intensifies over the next two decades, Airbus and Boeing are expected to dominate commercial aircraft production, delivering approximately 84% of new aircraft—this figure could rise to 90% by 2043. Other manufacturers like COMAC are projected to capture around 6% of demand.
Overall, the forecast underscores India’s potential as a burgeoning aviation market and highlights the strategic importance of its growing passenger fleet. With significant investments and an expanding order book, Indian airlines are well-positioned to enhance their operational capabilities and increase their footprint in both regional and global aviation markets.
Source – IBEF