INDIA’S COMMERCIAL AVIATION INDUSTRY
WE NEED INDIGENIZATION—PRONTO!
SARASIJ MAJUMDER
Air India holds around 30 per cent of India’s domestic market and owns 198 aircraft—of which 27 are aged 10–15 years, and 43 are over 15 years old, according to the civil aviation ministry’s March statement to parliament. Some are even older.
Air India Express operates 101 planes, of which 37 are over 15 years old.
AIR INDIA ordered 470 new aircrafts.
IndiGo, as of March 2025, operates a fleet of 437 aircraft. This includes a majority-Airbus fleet with various models like the A320, A320neo, A321neo, and ATR 72-600, along with two wet-leased Boeing 777s. They also have orders for more aircraft, including Airbus A350s.
For the time being, we ignore other Indian Airlines, operating with small, or big Aircrafts, for our present discussion.
IndiGo has ordered a total of 30 Airbus A350-900 aircraft for its long-haul expansion. Additionally, they have an existing order for 69 A321 XLRs. IndiGo also previously placed a massive order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft.
So, if we look at—India operates more than 700+ Aircrafts—and ordered around 1,000 more.
Commercial Aviation Sector will only grow in INDIA.
The Airbus A320 has a list price of approximately $101 million for a base model. Used A320s can be found for around $25 million.
The presently operating A320 family was initially designed for a service life of around 30-35 years or 60,000-75,000 flight cycles. However—LIFE EXTENSION is possible, based on some criterion.
Hourly operating costs of AB 320 can range from $19,000 to $20,000.
Hourly Rental Cost of AB 320: $18,000/hour
If we just consider New Aircrafts ordered, and being ordered soon—the amount could be staggering $ 100 Billion+!!!
Shouldn’t any Indian Industrialist think of manufacturing India’s own Commercial Aircraft??
Mr. Noel Tata? Mr. ADANI? Any new Name??
One or two Industrialists established a company for this purpose—but not proceeded much.
There are numerous Airbus A320 family aircraft in India, primarily operated by Air India, IndiGo, and Air India Express. Air India has 94 A320neos, 4 A320ceos, and 13 A321ceos, as well as 6 A319s. IndiGo operates 264 A320neo Family aircraft, including 162 A320neos, 79 A321neos, 21 A320ceos, and 2 A321 freighters. Air India Express operates 24 A320-200s and 12 A320-200Ns. I couldn’t get information on all models of the Two prime companies, —number wise.
It appears about 700 various models of A-320 are in the line of purchase, by Indigo, and AI.
We can enter into an alliance with Russia to co-manufacture the MC-21 which is designed to compete with the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 families. MC-21-300 variant is $90 MM, while the MC-21-200 is reportedly priced at $72 million.
The comparison is described below: –
The MC-21 and Airbus A320 are both narrow-body, twin-engine aircrafts designed for 150-200 passenger capacities and capable of operating for medium ranges, but they differ in some key areas. The MC-21 boasts a wider fuselage, potentially offering a more spacious cabin and greater cargo capacity. It also features an advanced wing design with a high percentage of composite materials, which aims to improve fuel efficiency. The A320, on the other hand, is a well-established and widely used aircraft with a large global fleet and a strong track record.
While the MC-21 initially relied on Pratt & Whitney engines, it is now being equipped with the domestically produced PD-14 engine due to sanctions imposed. The A320neo offers engine choices like the CFM LEAP-1A and PW1100G.
For India, to get Pratt & Whitney engines, initially, may not be difficult. Manufacturing Fuselage, and Wings are not difficult task for India. Rest we can import from Russia and assemble. All we have to develop is a TESTING LABORATORY—where GOI can chip in or enlarge/upgrade HAL facilities.
Also, GOI can form a Consortium of PSU banks, to support the Industrialist in the initial phase with soft loan.
Co-producing MC-21 in INDIA will be advantageous to both—RUSSIA, & INDIA. Also, it will generate employment, reduce TRADE DEFICIT, and we can even export also soon.
BOEING already being in ‘BAD SHAPE’—financially, there is opportunity beckoning!!
Source: –
- All information is in public domain, somewhat scattered. The data may vary at different sites. IMAGES: FROM GOOGLE
Disclaimer: — This BLOG is non-commercial and posted for information purpose only.
