India’s passenger aircraft fleet is projected to expand from 720 planes at the end of 2023 to more than 3,800 by 2043, according to the 2024 Cirium Fleet Forecast. This increase will boost the country’s share of the Asia-Pacific passenger fleet from 8% to 18% by 2043. The forecast highlights India’s growing importance in global commercial aviation, with the nation being considered separately from the broader Asia-Pacific region for the first time.
In 2023, Indian airlines led the world in aircraft orders, ranking second globally after the United States. By March 2025, Indian airlines are projected to place orders for 2,000 aircraft, with 1,620 already committed by IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa.
In terms of regional fleet growth, Asia is expected to remain a strong performer, with the region accounting for approximately 45% of new aircraft deliveries. China alone will contribute 20%, while India’s fleet is projected to grow at an annual rate of 8.7%, increasing its global fleet share from 3% to 8%. Meanwhile, China’s fleet will grow by 4.3% annually, reaching a 20% global share, and North America’s growth will be more modest at 1.8%.
Europe is expected to hold the third-largest share at 18%, just ahead of other Asia-Pacific countries, while the Middle East is forecast to grow its share to 5%.
