Aviation sector pushes for policy recalibration citing expanding fleet and soaring demand

Aviation leaders at Wings India 2026 call for urgent reforms to enhance India's air connectivity amid soaring demand and fleet expansion.

Airline chiefs, aircraft manufacturers and global aviation bodies at Wings India 2026 called for urgent structural reforms, cost rationalisation and policy recalibration to unlock the full potential of air connectivity even as India’s aviation sector braces for an unprecedented decade of expansion.

Speaking at a panel discussion titled ‘From Pioneering Skies to Global Horizons: The Potential Growth of Air Connectivity in India’ on the inaugural day on Wednesday, stakeholders underscored that while demand and aircraft orders are surging, long-term sustainability will depend on addressing cost pressures, human capital development, financing mechanisms and bilateral frameworks.

Airbus India president and managing director Jurgen Westermeier described India as a land of opportunities. He said Indian carriers are transitioning from domestic dominance to global aspirations and are likely to become formidable international players before the decade ends.

“Airbus has tripled sourcing volumes from India in the past five years and is expanding manufacturing to complex parts and structures. The company supports two training centres, including one in Hyderabad, with Air India housing 14 simulators and four pilot training centres,” he added.

IndiGo special director R.K. Singh said the airline, which commands around 60% of the domestic market, has focused on affordability and network expansion but faces mounting cost pressures in a highly price-sensitive market. “Discussions on airfares must be matched by conversations on airline cost structures. India’s aspiration for a global hub airport requires a strong hub airline supported by a level playing field,” he said.

Air India CEO Campbell Wilson reframed competition as a national development issue rather than rivalry between carriers. He noted that Indian carriers rank among the top customers of Airbus and Boeing globally and are expanding fleets and networks aggressively. However, passenger experience through many Indian airports still lags global hubs in digital processing and physical infrastructure, affecting competitiveness.