India’s Aviation Boom : In a major announcement at ‘Wings India 2024,’ Airbus India and South Asia President and Managing Director, Rémi Maillard, revealed a robust forecast for India’s aviation industry. The nation is poised to require a staggering 2,840 new aircraft, accompanied by the need for 41,000 pilots and 47,000 technical staff over the next two decades. This proclamation underscores the substantial growth anticipated in one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation markets.
During the press conference held at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad, Maillard expressed unwavering confidence in the escalating demand for aircraft orders from India. Airbus aims to capitalize on this surge, with a vision to double its current sourcing figure from India, standing at $750 million.
Highlighting recent milestones, Maillard shared that in 2023, Airbus clinched a record order of 750 aircraft at the Paris Airshow, a feat attributed to agreements with prominent carriers like IndiGo and Air India. Impressively, 75 units have already been delivered to Indian carriers, including major contributions to IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, and Go First.
Reaffirming India’s pivotal role on the global aviation stage, Maillard declared, “India is a force that will power global aviation over the next decades,” emphasizing the country’s projected economic and aviation growth at a formidable 6.2% annual rate for the next two decades.
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In alignment with India’s ambitious aviation expansion plans, Airbus is gearing up to strengthen its presence by expanding its manufacturing base in the country. Additionally, a strategic partnership with Air India aims to enhance their joint venture training center in Gurugram, featuring 10 simulators, with the ambitious goal of training 5,000 pilots over the next decade.
Maillard also recalled a significant 2021 collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), wherein Airbus joined forces to manufacture C-295 transport aircraft for the Indian Air Force. This pioneering agreement involves the initial delivery of 16 aircraft from Seville, Spain, followed by TASL taking the lead in manufacturing and assembly for the subsequent 40 aircraft, solidifying a robust industrial partnership between the two entities.
