Aero India 2025: Airbus, Boeing Eye Major Deals as India’s Aviation Sector Soars

India’s air traffic is witnessing an unprecedented surge, despite only a small percentage of its vast population flying each year. Global aviation giants, including Airbus and Boeing, are gearing up to secure lucrative deals at the highly anticipated Aero India 2025 exhibition, starting Monday.

Further highlighting India’s growing influence in global aviation, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has chosen New Delhi as the host city for its annual general meeting in June —a testament to the country’s expanding market power.

India: The Fastest-Growing Aviation Market

Fueled by strong economic growth and a rising middle class, India has become the world’s third-largest air market, trailing only behind the United States and China.

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

Boeing shares a similarly optimistic outlook. “India is the most dynamic aviation market on the planet—and certainly the most exciting,” said Salil Gupte, President of Boeing India.

According to Boeing’s projections, air traffic in South Asia—led by India—will grow at over 7% annually until 2043. Currently, air travel per capita in India stands at just 0.12, compared to 0.46 in China, reflecting the immense potential for growth.

The Shift from Rail to Air Travel

Despite its booming aviation sector, railways remain India’s primary mode of long-distance travel. With **18 million people** using trains daily—compared to 430,000 air travellers—Boeing estimates that if just 2% of train passengers switched to air travel, the **Indian aviation market could double.

Government Push for Air Travel Expansion

Since taking office in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritized the expansion of India’s aviation sector. His vision is to make air travel accessible to the common man through initiatives like the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which enhances connectivity between smaller cities and major hubs.

“A common man who wears slippers should also be seen in an aircraft—that is my dream,” Modi was quoted as saying by the aviation ministry.

As global aviation leaders gather at Aero India 2025 in Bengaluru, all eyes will be on the deals and partnerships that will shape the future of India’s rapidly expanding air travel industry.