As an Airline captain, I keep a close eye on the trends that shape our skies. One piece of news that caught my attention recently is Airbus’ confirmation that IndiGo and Air India have become two of the three largest airline customers worldwide in terms of aircraft backlog. Together, they’re waiting for 1,260 new aircraft – 916 for IndiGo and 344 for Air India.
For anyone dreaming of a career in aviation, these numbers aren’t just statistics. They’re a glimpse into the future of Indian aviation and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Why Does This Matter?
A growing fleet means one thing: a massive demand for pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff. Most of these incoming aircraft are narrow-body models—the workhorses of domestic and regional air travel. With every new plane added, airlines will require trained, type-rated pilots to keep up with operational needs.
From my own cockpit experience, I can tell you that this kind of backlog is unprecedented for India. It’s a clear sign that our aviation market is not only expanding but becoming a global powerhouse.
Airbus Ramps Up Production
Airbus is addressing past supply chain delays and is already back to producing 60 A320 family aircraft per month, with plans to increase this to 75 per month by 2027. More importantly, Airbus’ industrial footprint in India is deepening. Components for every Airbus aircraft flying today are partly made here, and sourcing from India has grown from $500 million in 2020 to $1.4 billion in 2024, with a target of $2 billion by the end of this decade.
India’s Strategic Role in Aviation
India is no longer just a market for Airbus; it has become a strategic industrial hub. While there are no immediate plans for a commercial aircraft assembly line in India, Airbus is expanding its collaborations here through helicopter and military aircraft assembly and by increasing its supply chain sourcing.
What Does This Mean for Future Pilots?
For aspiring aviators, this is the perfect storm of opportunity:
- Fleet growth = Pilot demand
- Global reliance on Indian aviation = Career stability
- Stronger Airbus-India partnerships = Training and tech exposure
At our academy, we focus on preparing pilots not just to earn their licenses but to stand out in a highly competitive environment. With this wave of new aircraft arriving, the airlines will be looking for professionals who are ready to step into the cockpit and deliver from day one.
Final Thoughts
The backlog of 1,260 aircraft is more than a statistic—it’s a signal of where Indian aviation is headed. As someone who has watched this industry grow from the inside, I can confidently say that we are entering one of the most exciting decades for Indian aviation.
For those of you considering a career in the skies, there has never been a better time to start.