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The forecast shows that nearly 90% of commercial jet deliveries will be fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft like the 737 MAX, providing airlines with more flexibility and better economics for fast-growing short- and medium-haul routes.
The domestic air market in India is expected to remain the largest and fastest-growing segment.
Boeing forecasts that India and South Asia’s commercial aircraft fleet will grow nearly four times over the next 20 years.
This growth, building on the past decade’s steady expansion, is driven by increasing demand and air traffic. The region’s air traffic is expected to grow at over 7 percent per year until 2043, fuelled by strong economic growth, better connectivity, and supportive policies for air travel.
Domestic air traffic will continue to be the largest and fastest-growing part of India’s travel market. This growth will be powered by the expansion of low-cost carriers and more route options offered by airlines.
The forecast suggests that fuel-efficient single-aisle planes like the 737 MAX will make up nearly 90 percent of new jet deliveries, giving airlines more flexibility on busy short- and medium-haul routes. At the same time, the region’s widebody fleet will grow four times as airlines like those flying the 787 Dreamliner and 777X expand long-haul services, especially to North America, where capacity has doubled in the last decade.
Boeing’s Ashwin Naidu, managing director of Commercial Marketing for India and South Asia, said: “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.”
In addition to the expanding aircraft fleet, the region’s cargo freighter fleet is expected to grow five times, supporting global supply chains, advanced manufacturing, and e-commerce growth.
The demand for skilled aviation workers will also rise, with a need for 129,000 pilots, cabin crew, and technicians, marking the highest growth in the world.
Commercial airplane deliveries forecast for India and South Asia (2024-2043):
- Regional Jets: <10
- Single Aisle: 2,445
- Widebody: 370
- Freighters: 20
- Total: 2,835
