Indian Airline Operators Intend To Add 120 Aircraft Each Year: Union Minister

"Expansion in the area of airlines, expansion in the area of airports. And therefore, fleet augmentation is also important," Jyotiraditya Scindia said

Expressing optimism about the civil aviation sector bouncing back following a difficult phase due to COVID-19 pandemic, Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia on Friday said Indian airline operators are expected to add 110 to 120 new aircraft every year in the days to come.

Speaking at the inaugural session of Wings India 2022, a civil aviation show being held here, Scindia also said the airline operators need to include more wide-bodied aircraft to their fleet in order to connect several global points.

Exuding confidence that the air traffic figures will rebound, the minister said the number of domestic passengers is expected to touch 4.10 million per day by next year and will surpass that number by 2024-25.

"India is looking at tremendous expansion. Expansion in the area of airlines, expansion in the area of airports. And therefore, fleet augmentation is also important. A country that had a fleet of only 400 aircraft in the year 2013-14 has grown to a fleet of 710 aircraft in the last seven years, an addition of almost 310 aircraft. And we intend to add at least 110 to 220 aircraft per year as we go forward," Mr Scindia said.