According to CAPA India, the Indian aviation market, known for its rapid growth, is in need of more wide-body aircraft to cater to the long and ultra-long haul routes. The consultancy highlighted that while Air India and Vistara currently possess wide-body planes, there is a substantial gap in the market that other carriers can seize upon. In response to this demand, budget carrier IndiGo recently made a significant move by placing an order for 30 A35-900 planes, with the option to acquire up to 70 more aircraft to boost its long-haul capabilities.
During a webinar focusing on the future of wide-body aircraft in India, CAPA India emphasized the lucrative potential of long and ultra-long haul operations, citing the demand for direct routes and the presence of stable pricing dynamics in the market. The consultancy projected that approximately 100 wide-body aircraft will be required by Indian airlines to effectively serve the long and ultra-long haul markets by fiscal year 2032, indicating a necessity for 60 additional wide-body planes within the next decade. Ultra-long haul flights, defined as journeys lasting over 16 hours, require specialized aircraft and operational planning, making them a key focus area for airlines eyeing expansion in the Indian market.
As Indian carriers like Air India group, IndiGo, and the newly established Akasa Air ramp up their operations, the demand for wide-body aircraft becomes even more pronounced. With the potential for disruption in the long-haul segment, the industry is poised for a shift as airlines gear up to capture the growing market opportunities in India's aviation sector.