Airbus projects India's commercial aircraft fleet to triple to 2,250 by 2035

Hyderabad: Airbus forecasts India's commercial aircraft fleet will triple to 2,250 over the next decade, propelling the country to the world's third-largest civil aviation market by 2035. This growth stems from the fastest G20 economic expansion, rising government infrastructure spending, and evolving consumer habits—with per capita air travel doubling from 0.13 to 0.29 trips.

Passenger traffic will surge at 8.9% annually through 2035, exceeding major economies and the global average. Sustaining this demands 35,000 pilots from 12,000 today and 34,000 technical staff tripling current 11,000, said Jürgen Westermeier, President and Managing Director of Airbus India and South Asia, speaking on the sidelines of Wings India 2026, one of Asia's premier civil aviation events, in Hyderabad on Thursday.

According to the Airbus, as the fleet expands, India will emerge as a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) hub, with the airframes, engines, and components market hitting US$9.5 billion. Airlines face up to US$1 billion in investments for digitalizing flight, ground, and technical operations, plus cybersecurity and connectivity. Government plans to add 50 airports, reaching ~200 by 2035, will support high-frequency operations.

Aggressive expansion amid global shifts

While Boeing projected that India, South Asia will need nearly 3,300 new airplanes by 2044, Airbus' India’s Commercial Fleet and Services Market by 2035 report highlights this three-fold jump in >100-seat aircraft as one of aviation's most ambitious expansions, driven by domestic booms and international ambitions.

“We are witnessing the center of global aviation shift toward the east. India’s fleet expansion will not only enhance domestic mobility but will position the country as a dominant hub for international transit. Therefore, the next chapter of Indian aviation must ensure its operating models evolve at the same pace as the expansion in its fleet and network,” said Jürgen Westermeier. “Airbus is uniquely placed to support this growth with the A320 Family for domestic expansion and the A321XLR and A350 to lead India’s medium-to-long-haul international ambitions,” he added

Air India converts orders to A321XLR, adds 30 Boeing Aircraft

Air India announced Thursday it is converting 15 A321neo orders to the advanced A321XLR (Extra Long Range) variant, part of its 2023/2024 Airbus deal for 50 A350s and 300 A320 Family jets (210 A321neos, 90 A320neos). Deliveries start 2029–2030.

The A321XLR offers 4,700 nautical miles (8,700 km) range with top fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and passenger comfort—ideal for new non-stop routes and efficient medium-haul services.

Separately, Air India ordered 30 more Boeing aircraft: 20 737-8s and 10 737-10s, atop 220 firm orders from 2023 (total now 250). It has received 52 of the original batch, including 51 737-8s with subsidiary Air India Express and one 787-9 entering Mumbai-Frankfurt service February 1, 2026—leaving 198 inbound.