New Delhi, Aug. 3: India’s expanding aviation sector will require 1,150 commercial jets valued at $130 billion over the next 20 years, a Boeing Co executive said on Tuesday.
Mr Dinesh Keskar, the head of the US aircraft manufacturer’s operations in India, said with more private carriers entering the aviation sector the demand for aircraft was increasing.
“This is a market representing more than four per cent of Boeing commercial airplanes’ worldwide forecast,” he told reporters.
In 2009, the firm had said India would require 1,000 planes worth $100 billion over 20 years.
“We went through the deepest recession in the history of aviation but now India’s recovery is one of the fastest,” Mr Keskar said.
“We believe there will be a record 50 million passengers this year if the trend continues,” he said. Indian airlines carried 44 million passengers in 2009.
Mr Keskar also said that state carrier Air India was entitled to compensation from Boeing for delays in the delivery of Dreamliner planes.
In July, Air India said it has sought compensation from Boeing for the delay in deliveries of the Dreamliner. The first Dreamliner was originally scheduled to be delivered in 2008.