HYDERABAD, India: India's rapid economic growth and swelling ranks of first-time flyers are set to fuel a dramatic expansion of the country's aviation sector, with airlines expected to triple the size of their fleets over the next decade, Airbus said.

Airbus forecasts that Indian carriers will operate about 2,250 aircraft over the next 10 years, as rising incomes, a growing middle class, and strong travel demand transform the market. The projection was released during India's biennial civil aviation air show.

A day earlier, rival Boeing said airlines in India and South Asia would need nearly 3,300 new aircraft by 2044, underscoring the region's importance as a key battleground for global planemakers — a market currently dominated by Airbus.

India is already the world's third-largest domestic aviation market after the United States and China, led by its two largest carriers, IndiGo and Air India. Industry forecasts for the country are closely watched as airlines race to add capacity in one of the fastest-growing travel markets globally.

Despite that growth, India's aviation sector remains underpenetrated. Trips per capita stand at just 0.13, well below levels seen in comparable regions, said Jürgen Westermeier, Airbus president and managing director for India and South Asia.

"That leaves a lot of room for more people to start flying," Westermeier said, pointing to long-term growth potential as infrastructure improves and air travel becomes more accessible.

Airbus also expects some aerospace services to benefit from lower trade barriers following this week's landmark India–European Union trade agreement.

"Some services in aerospace will now benefit from the reduction in tariffs after the India-EU trade agreement," Westermeier said.

India, now the world's fastest-growing domestic aviation market, has mirrored a global surge in large-aircraft orders as airlines expand capacity, phase out older, fuel-hungry jets, and respond to booming travel demand in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Indian carriers have placed some of the industry's largest jet orders in recent years, seeking rapid fleet expansion rather than the replacement-driven purchases more typical of mature aviation markets.

Airbus retained its position as the world's largest aircraft manufacturer last year, despite challenges including engine shortages, supply-chain constraints, and tariff-related pressures.