India is now the 3rd largest and fastest-growing aviation market in terms of domestic tickets sold. The market has grown at an annual rate of 10.2% from 2008–09 to 2018–19. It is expected to reach a size of $70 billion by 2030.
Recently, Air India is close to placing a massive order of around 500 jetliners worth tens of billions of dollars. The orders include as many as 400 narrow-body jets and 100 or more wide bodies, including dozens of Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s, and 777s. It aims to compete with global rivals like Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways with its new fleet.
From new low-cost airlines to established full-service carriers, everyone seems to want a piece of the Indian aviation market. But why is India so attractive to airlines, and why are so many companies trying to get a foothold in the market? In this article, we explore the reasons why every airline is expanding its routes to India.
1. India's Growing Middle Class
The Indian middle class is growing at an astonishing rate, and with it, their purchasing power. This means that more and more Indians are able to afford air travel, which has led to a surge in demand for flights both domestically and internationally. As a result, airlines are eager to tap into this growing market by expanding their routes to India, offering more options to the country's growing middle class.
By the numbers: Share of the middle class, with an annual household income of Rs 5-30 lakh, more than doubled from 14% in 2004-05 to 31% last year and is projected to rise to 63% by 2047.
2. Booming Tourism Industry
India's tourism industry has been on the rise in recent years, with more and more people from around the world coming to visit the country's cultural and historical sites, natural wonders, and vibrant cities. This has led to a surge in demand for flights to India, as travelers seek more convenient and affordable options for reaching their destinations. Airlines are responding to this demand by expanding their routes to India, offering more choices and more affordable options for travelers.
3. Strategic Location
Finally, India's strategic location has made it a key player in the global aviation industry. As a major hub for air travel in South Asia, India serves as a gateway to many other destinations in the region. With its large population and rapidly growing economy, India also provides a huge potential market for airlines, making it an attractive destination for carriers looking to expand their global reach.
India's aviation industry is set to continue its rapid growth in the coming years, with even more airlines expected to join the race to expand their routes to the country.
