The growing aviation sector in India would require 2,210 new aircraft over the next 20 years, stated Airbus’ latest India Market Forecast.

According to the company, the fleet could comprise 1,770 new small and 440 medium and large aircraft. As per the company, the small aircraft would be for domestic-type operations while medium and large planes can be used for regional international, and long-haul operations.

“Over the next decade, India will grow to have the largest population in the world, its economy will grow the fastest among the G20 nations, and a burgeoning middle class will spend more on air travel,” stated the report.

Airbus expects Indian passenger traffic to grow at 6.2 per cent per annum by 2040, the fastest among the major economies and well above the global average of 3.9 per cent.

“We have seen India’s domestic market develop strongly with our flagship A320 aircraft. It is time now for Indian carriers to unlock the potential of international travel in and out of India, leveraging the country’s demographic, economic and geographic dividends,” said Remi Maillard, President & MD, Airbus India & South Asia.

Further, the company said, to serve the growing aviation industry, India will require an additional 34,000 pilots and 45,000 technicians by 2040.

Airbus’s annual sourcing from India stood at more than $650 million. The company will deliver more than one aircraft to India every week for the next 10 years.