Boeing forecasts that India and South Asia's commercial aircraft fleet will nearly quadruple over the next 20 years, driven by increasing air traffic demand, economic growth, and improved connectivity. According to Boeing's latest Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), air traffic in the region is expected to grow at an annual rate of over 7% through 2043, supported by policies promoting air travel liberalisation.
Domestic air travel will continue to be the fastest-growing segment in India's aviation market, fuelled by the expansion of low-cost carriers and greater network diversification. Airlines will continue to introduce new routes and destinations, enhancing connectivity across the region.
Boeing projects that fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft, such as the 737 MAX, will dominate fleet expansion, accounting for nearly 90% of new commercial aircraft deliveries. These aircraft will provide airlines with enhanced operational flexibility and cost efficiency, particularly on fast-growing short- and medium-haul routes. Meanwhile, the region's wide-body fleet is expected to quadruple, as carriers expand long-haul services with aircraft like the 787 Dreamliner and 777X. Notably, capacity between India and North America has doubled in the last decade and further expansion is expected.
“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 and development,” said Ashwin Naidu, Boeing's Managing Director of Commercial Marketing for India and South Asia. “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.”
The cargo sector is also set for significant expansion, with the region's freighter fleet—both new and converted models—expected to grow five-fold as India and South Asia strengthen their roles in global supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and e-commerce.
Furthermore, the growing aviation sector will drive an increased demand for skilled professionals. The number of pilots, cabin crew, and technicians required in the region is set to quadruple to 129,000 over the next two decades, representing the fastest workforce growth rate of any aviation market worldwide.
