Aviation Minister Says India Facing Delays In New Aircraft Procurement
Aircraft supply constraints slow airline expansion across India
India’s aviation sector is facing a major bottleneck in the procurement of new aircraft, Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu said, citing global supply chain constraints and extended delivery timelines as key hurdles to the industry’s rapid expansion. Speaking at a public event, the minister highlighted that Indian airlines have collectively placed orders for nearly 1,700 aircraft to cater to surging passenger demand. However, manufacturers are struggling to meet this demand within reasonable timelines, with some deliveries now expected to take up to 10–15 years. This lag, he noted, is creating a mismatch between India’s aviation growth ambitions and the availability of operational aircraft.
The delays are largely attributed to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted global aircraft production and supply chains. Even as demand for air travel has rebounded sharply, manufacturers are yet to restore pre-pandemic production capacity, leading to a growing backlog of orders worldwide. For a fast-expanding market like India, this has emerged as a critical constraint.
Naidu pointed out that while India has made significant progress in airport infrastructure — with new airports and expanded terminals being developed across the country — the shortage of aircraft could slow down the sector’s momentum. He emphasised that building airports is relatively easier compared to acquiring aircraft, which depends heavily on global manufacturing ecosystems.
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To mitigate the issue, the government is exploring ways to strengthen domestic aircraft manufacturing capabilities. Efforts are underway to collaborate with global aerospace companies and promote local production through partnerships with organisations such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. These initiatives aim to reduce dependence on imports and create a more resilient supply chain over the long term.
The aircraft shortage also has implications for workforce planning. The minister noted that India will require a significantly larger pool of trained pilots and aviation professionals in the coming years to support fleet expansion once deliveries pick up. With India positioned as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally, resolving procurement bottlenecks will be essential to sustaining long-term growth and meeting rising travel demand.
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