Aerospace Players Look to India as its Economy Grows

India’s aviation sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by its expanding middle class and a strong economy. Despite only a small fraction of its 1.4 billion people currently flying, the country has already become the world’s third-largest air market, after the United States and China.  

The surge in demand has made India a key battleground for global aircraft manufacturers, with companies like Airbus and Boeing eyeing lucrative deals at Aero India, the country’s flagship aerospace exhibition set to begin on Monday in Bengaluru. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will also hold its annual general meeting in New Delhi in June, a testament to India's rising influence in global aviation.  

"India is the rising star of global aerospace," said Remi Maillard, head of Airbus India and South Asia. "It is the fastest-growing commercial aviation market in the world—and it will remain so for the next 20 years."  

Boeing, which is also participating in Aero India, shares this optimism. "It's the most dynamic market on the planet—and certainly the most exciting," said Boeing India chief Salil Gupte.  

According to Boeing’s projections, air traffic in South Asia—primarily in India—is expected to grow by more than seven percent annually until 2043. However, per capita air travel in India remains low at just 0.12 flights per year, compared to 0.46 in China.  

The country’s extensive railway network remains the dominant mode of long-distance travel, but it is often slow and overcrowded. Boeing estimates that if just two percent of India’s 18 million daily train passengers switched to flying, the air travel market would double from its current 430,000 daily passengers.  

With these growth trends, India's aviation sector is set to soar, presenting significant opportunities for airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and infrastructure developers.