We project robust demand for air travel in South Asia with carriers increasing services, and passengers feeling confident about travel to see family and friends and do business, as well as from air cargo,” Schulte said.
On the Indian market, Boeing said, “Single-aisle airplanes such as the 737 family will continue to serve growth in domestic and regional markets, including flights from India to the Middle East and the Asia Pacific regions.”
Indian carriers will also need 240 new widebody planes such as the 787 Dreamliner to meet the demand for operating flights to long-haul destinations, said Boeing.
“India’s air cargo growth is expected to average 6.3% annually, driven by the country’s manufacturing and e-commerce sectors, including its Make in India initiative. Boeing forecast demand for over 75 freighters, including 10 widebodies and 737 Boeing Converted Freighters,” the company said, adding that India’s civil aviation industry will need close to 100,000 new pilots, technicians and cabin crew personnel over the next decade.
Meanwhile, Boeing has halted deliveries of its 787 widebody planes since May 2021 due to production constraints.
Consequently, Indian full-service carrier Vistara, which is among the airlines that have ordered such planes globally, has been left in the lurch as it cannot expand international operations due to aircraft unavailability.
Schulte didn’t say when deliveries of the 787 would resume.
