Boeing has forecast that airlines in India and South Asia will require nearly 3,300 new aircraft by 2044, driven by sustained traffic growth and expanding domestic and international networks.
In its latest Commercial Market Outlook for the region, Boeing said passenger traffic is expected to grow at an average of 7% per year over the next two decades, supported by economic growth, a rising middle class and continued investment in airport infrastructure.
The manufacturer said single-aisle aircraft will account for almost 90% of projected deliveries, reflecting strong demand on short- and medium-haul routes and the continued shift from rail to air travel in India. Total regional fleet size is forecast to rise from 795 aircraft today to 2,925 by 2044, representing nearly fourfold growth.
Boeing also expects long-haul networks to expand, with the region’s widebody fleet projected to more than triple over the period as India develops as a hub for international passenger and cargo traffic linking the Middle East, Europe and North America.
In the cargo segment, Boeing said growth in high-tech manufacturing and e-commerce will drive a fivefold increase in the freighter fleet across South Asia over the next 20 years.
To support the projected expansion, Boeing estimates the region will require more than $195 billion in aviation services, including maintenance, digital services and training, and around 141,000 new aviation professionals, including pilots, technicians and cabin crew.