According to the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation, the sector is expected to transform into a key engine of economic growth by 2047, supported by strong government policy and rising private-sector investment. India currently ranks among the fastest-growing civil aviation markets globally. In 2025, with more than 750 million passengers, it became the world’s third-largest domestic aviation market. Aircraft manufacturers forecast that Indian airlines will need to respond to rapidly increasing demand through extensive fleet renewal and expansion. Airbus estimates that by 2035, Indian carriers will almost triple their fleets to approximately 2,250 aircraft.

Major Investments in Airport Infrastructure

The rapid expansion of India’s civil aviation sector is driven not only by passenger demand but also by sustained public investment. Since 2014, the number of airports in India has more than doubled to around 160. Under the government’s Aviation Vision 2047 strategy and the UDAN regional connectivity programme, this number is expected to rise further to 350–400 airports. This development is generating substantial demand for aircraft, airport technologies, personnel training, maintenance and repair services, thereby creating new export opportunities for Czech companies.

Wings India: Asia’s Leading Civil Aviation Show

The importance of the Indian aviation market was further confirmed by Wings India 2026, held in late January at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad. The event ranks among the largest civil aviation exhibitions in Asia and combines an exhibition, conference programme and flight demonstrations. It attracted aircraft manufacturers, airlines and technology providers from around the world.

According to the organisers, the event hosted more than 150 exhibitors, over 2,000 professional delegates, and total attendance reached approximately 175,000 visitors, including general public. The programme also featured numerous B2B and B2G meetings and expert discussions focusing on sustainability, digitalisation, airport management and advanced aviation technologies.

Czech L 410 NG and Potential Final Assembly in India

Visitors to Wings India were able to see the Czech-made L 410 NG aircraft on static display, delivered to the show by the Omnipol Group. During the exhibition, Omnipol also announced its intention to cooperate with the Indian company Sakthi Aviation and Defence Systems, part of the Sakthi Group, to introduce the L 410 NG to the Indian market. The cooperation was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the opening of the exhibition, in the presence of India’s Minister of Civil Aviation, Shri Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu.

Thanks to its ability to operate from short and unpaved runways, the L 410 NG is well suited to India’s challenging conditions, particularly in mountainous regions, on islands and in remote areas. These characteristics align closely with the objectives of the UDAN programme, which focuses on improving regional air connectivity. According to local media, the cooperation also includes an assessment of the feasibility of establishing final assembly of the aircraft in India, potentially involving technology transfer and the participation of local industry.

Air India Commits to Large-Scale Fleet Renewal

One of the central themes of the exhibition was the announcement of major aircraft orders. The most significant was made by Air India, now owned by the Tata Group, which confirmed an order for 30 additional Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, bringing its total Boeing order book to approximately 250 aircraft.

At the same time, Air India announced the conversion of 15 Airbus A321neo orders to the longer-range A321XLR variant, enabling the launch of new long-haul routes with lower demand. In connection with its fleet renewal, the airline also signed a long-term service agreement with Boeing Global Services, covering technical support and spare-parts supply for its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet.