India will require 1,850 planes in 20 years: Boeing

NEW DELHI: India would require 1,850 new airplanes valued at $265 billion (over ₹17 lakh crore) over the next 20 years, US plane maker Boeing has said in its latest

NEW DELHI: India would require 1,850 new airplanes valued at $265 billion (over ₹17 lakh crore) over the next 20 years, US plane maker Boeing has said in its latest market outlook for the country.

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The new civil aviation policy, which lays emphasis for increasing regional connectivity and has made it easier for domestic carriers to start international operations, would further push growth, the US plane-maker has said.

“India continues to have a strong commercial aerospace market and the highest domestic traffic grow thin the world,” said Dinesh Keskar, senior vice president, Asia Pacific and India Sales, Boeing. “With the new aviation policies in place, we see even greater opportunities and remain confident in the market and the airlines in India.”

Rules relating to starting international operations have been partially amended by the government. Domestic airlines having a fleet of 20 planes can now fly abroad with the restriction relating to five years of domestic flying having done away with.

“There are many things in the policy which are growth oriented ... One is 5/20 norm becoming 0/20 allows more airlines togo international which will allow them to potentially consider buying more wide-bodied aircraft ,” Keskar said. “I am not saying by tomorrow, but at least now the door is open.”

Boeing said that single-aisle planes would continue to account for the largest share of new deliveries, with airlines in India needing approximately 1,560 airplanes. Noting that its customers are placing orders for the next around five years, Keskar said, “We have a lot more potential to sell a lot more aircraft in the growing Indian market...Our customers are a lot more prudent.” His remarks came in response to a query that rival Airbush as been getting more orders from domestic airlines.

Noting that its customers are placing orders for the next around five years, Keskar said, “We have a lot more potential to sell a lot more aircraft in the growing Indian market... Our customers are a lot more prudent.”

His remarks came in response to a query that rival Airbus has been getting more orders from domestic airlines.

Economic, demographic and regulatory trends support high growth in India’ s aviation sector, Keskar said even as he flagged that higher fuel prices and weakening of the rupee could be a concern. Air India, Spice Jet and Jet Airways are customers of Boeing.

(With PTI inputs)