The Central government on Monday said that Indian airlines placed orders for 1,359 new aircraft in 2023 and 2024, with 999 orders made in 2023 and 360 in 2024.
In response to a query raised by Rajya Sabha MP Parimal Nathwani, Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol said: “Currently, 680 aircraft are operational across various airlines, while 133 remain grounded. Of the total fleet, 105 aircraft are over 15 years old, including 43 belonging to Air India Ltd. and 37 to Air India Express Ltd. Among the 680 operational aircraft, 319 are operated by InterGlobe Aviation Ltd. (IndiGo), 198 by Air India, 101 by Air India Express, and the rest by other airlines.”
IndiGo placed the largest number of aircraft orders during the two years, including 500 A320 NEO family aircraft in 2023 and an additional 10 A320 NEO family aircraft in 2024.
The airline also secured firm orders for 30 A350 aircraft with purchase rights for 70 more. Air India followed with the second-highest number of orders. Akasa Air, launched recently, ordered 150 Boeing B737-8/-8200 aircraft in 2024, compared to 4 such aircraft in 2023.
The minister stated that out of the 813 aircraft operated by Indian airlines, 435 are less than five years old, 185 are between five to ten years old, 88 are aged between ten to fifteen years, and 105 are more than 15 years old. IndiGo’s fleet has 283 aircraft under five years old, forming the majority of its operational fleet of 319 aircraft.
Addressing concerns on aircraft age and safety regulations, the minister noted that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has not specified a maximum permissible age for aircraft in India.
“Aircraft are deemed airworthy if maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s approved schedule. Registered aircraft in India can continue operations as long as their type certificate remains valid, and manufacturers provide ongoing maintenance support. Operators may withdraw aircraft from service if they become economically unviable to repair or are permanently withdrawn from use due to factors such as a lack of spare parts,” the minister added.
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