To address the increasing demand in the nation’s air travel sector, Indian airlines have placed four major aircraft orders since the previous year.
Currently, Indian airlines operate around 800 aircraft in their fleet and are anticipated to add approximately 600 more in the coming five years, as stated by Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam on Thursday.
“India’s aviation infrastructure has seen remarkable growth, with the number of airports more than doubling from 74 to 157 in the last decade. The annual passenger count has risen from 110 million to 220 million, and the aircraft fleet has expanded from 400 to 800, with expectations to hit 1,400 within five years,” he remarked during his address at the “Women in Aviation India Awards 2024.”
“This expansion indicates plentiful career opportunities for women in aviation and highlights their vital contribution to the future of the industry,” Vualnam emphasized.
As per the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), India currently boasts 803 commercial aircraft. Of these, 72 percent are manufactured by European company Airbus, while about 22 percent originate from the US-based manufacturer Boeing.
In response to the escalating demand in the air travel sector, Indian airlines have secured four major aircraft orders since last year. In February 2023, the Tata-run Air India group announced an order for 470 aircraft—250 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. In June 2023, IndiGo achieved a milestone by finalizing the largest aircraft order globally, securing 500 A320neo family planes from Airbus.
In January 2024, the newly established airline Akasa Air ordered 150 B737 Max aircraft from Boeing. In October of this year, Air India added to its orders with an additional 85 planes from Airbus. Currently, the Air India group and IndiGo together account for over 90 percent of the domestic passenger market.
Vualnam also discussed the central government’s initiative, approved in November of the previous year, aimed at providing drones to 15,000 women self-help groups (SHGs). He noted that this initiative empowers “rural women to embrace advanced technology for agricultural tasks such as spraying fertilizers and pesticides.”
Furthermore, Vualnam highlighted the success of the production-linked incentive (PLI) scheme for drones, which has enabled 23 Indian companies to achieve a combined revenue of Rs 1,400 crore from an initial allocation of Rs 120 crore. “With more than 21,000 drones registered in India, this sector presents significant opportunities for women to spearhead technological innovations,” he stated.
Radha Bhatia, president of Women in Aviation India (WAI), remarked: “While India leads the world in the number of women pilots, we are advocating for equal growth across all sectors of aviation… We are reaching out to the remotest areas of the country to inspire and motivate young girls to pursue careers in aviation. Many of these girls have never seen an aircraft or been exposed to the aviation industry.”
Established in 2015 in New Delhi, WAI is a non-profit organization dedicated to motivating women to discover and progress in careers within the aviation sector.
Flying aim
800 Current aircraft in the fleets of Indian airlines. 1,400 Anticipated aircraft in the next five years, 74 to 157, The number of airports in India has increased over the last ten years
Could India emerge as the new aviation hub like Singapore, Dubai, and Doha?
India’s aviation sector has experienced remarkable growth in recent years. With a burgeoning middle class and increasing disposable incomes, air travel has become more accessible than ever before. As reported by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), domestic air passenger traffic surged by 14.8% in 2023-24, reaching an impressive 172 million passengers. Experts anticipate that this growth trend will persist, with projections indicating an increase from 376 million passengers today to over 3 billion by the year 2047.
The rising demand has triggered significant infrastructure development. India’s operational airports are expected to expand from the current 148 to more than 300 by 2047. Through the UDAN initiative, aimed at improving regional connectivity, airports in underserved areas such as Darbhanga and Bagdogra have experienced considerable growth in passenger traffic. For example, Darbhanga Airport has seen a fourfold increase in traffic since it opened, demonstrating the success of regional aviation initiatives.
Fleet expansion and global connectivity
Another vital element propelling India’s aviation growth is the expansion of its fleet. Indian airlines are gearing up for anticipated demand by placing substantial aircraft orders with manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus. The nation’s aircraft fleet is forecasted to grow from 713 in 2022 to 1,647 by 2032. This significant rise will allow India to not only satisfy its increasing domestic demand but also to improve international connectivity.
The growth of India’s fleet is not solely about addressing existing needs—it’s about establishing the country as a prominent player in global aviation. With a rising middle class eager to engage in international travel and businesses in need of enhanced cargo services, India is ideally situated to become a key hub for global airlines. The future may even see India competing with aviation centers like Dubai and Doha regarding passenger and cargo traffic.
Workforce development: Bridging the skill gap
Among the most urgent challenges confronting Indian aviation is the lack of skilled personnel. Presently, the sector is experiencing a 17% labor shortfall, which could escalate to 25% by the end of this year. The deficit of pilots is particularly alarming, with an estimated requirement for 2,500 to 3,000 new pilots each year, while the country only produces approximately 1,000.
The issue goes beyond just pilots. There is a notable shortage of ground personnel, cabin crew, and maintenance experts. Aviation institutions in India need to take initiative to bridge this gap by updating their curricula to equip the upcoming generation of aviation specialists. In addition, the government should invest in training initiatives and collaborations with international airlines to ensure that the workforce is prepared for future requirements.
Regulatory changes and foreign direct investment: Stoking the aviation surge
In order to realize its lofty aspirations, India must persist in reforming its aviation regulations. The regulatory hurdles that impede airport development, fleet expansion, and foreign direct investment (FDI) must be tackled. Simplifying approval procedures and relaxing limitations will foster a more favorable climate for both domestic and international investments.
Global investors have already expressed interest in India’s aviation industry, and additional regulatory reforms will only boost their involvement. Initiatives that encourage infrastructure enhancement, technological integration, and sustainability will be crucial in attracting international stakeholders.
Furthermore, adhering to global aviation safety standards will bolster India’s reputation on the international stage, making the nation a more appealing location for both travelers and investors alike.
The passenger experience: Streamlining and innovation
While developing infrastructure and workforce capabilities is vital, enhancing the overall passenger experience is equally important. Airports in India must not only operate efficiently but also offer world-class facilities that align with international benchmarks. As previously noted, implementing Integrated Security Checks could revolutionize operations, enhancing the efficiency of both domestic and international flights. By incorporating global best practices in security and operations, India can guarantee a smooth travel experience for passengers.
The emphasis on enhancing passenger experience also includes harnessing cutting-edge technologies. From biometric check-ins to AI-driven customer support, technology can serve as a significant catalyst for efficiency and passenger delight.
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