The Indian aviation industry has been a dynamic landscape, witnessing continuous growth and evolving competition among domestic airlines.

As the demand for air travel continues to rebound post-pandemic, understanding the market share of key players becomes imperative for stakeholders, investors, and enthusiasts alike. According to DGCA data, In this article, we will explore the market share and passenger numbers achieved by these carriers. we analyze the key trends shaping the aviation sector in India.

Market share of Scheduled domestic airlines

1. IndiGo: From January to October, IndiGo reached new heights, transporting an impressive 755.35 lakh passengers. IndiGo remains the unrivaled leader in the Indian skies, with a commanding market share of 60.2%, demonstrating efficiency, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to passenger satisfaction.

2. Air India: From January to October, it has successfully carried 118.74 lakh passengers, making it stand out as a beacon of distinction. Air India, which has a 9.5% market share, is recognized as a symbol of dependability, customer service, and a dedication to offering the best possible flying experience.

3. Vistara: In the aviation spotlight from January to October, Vistara dazzled as it carried a remarkable 113.32 lakh passengers. With a market share of 9.0%, Vistara has carved its niche in the skies, offering a seamless blend of luxury and efficiency.

4.AirAsia: set a new record in 2023 by transporting 92.06 lakh passengers from January to October. AirAsia is a dynamic force with a 7.3% market share, providing a seamless blend of innovation and passenger-centric service.

5.SpiceJet: emerged as a dynamic force, carrying a remarkable 68.34 lakh passengers. With a market share of 5.4%, SpiceJet showcases its prowess in offering a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.

6.Akasa Air: has emerged as a rising star, overseeing the seamless journey of nearly 50.91 lakh passengers from January to October. With a market share of 4.1%, Akasa Air is carving its path in the competitive skies, embodying innovation, comfort, and a commitment to elevating the passenger experience.

After the successful launch of the COMAC C919, China’s domestically built commercial aircraft, in collaboration with Chinese airlines, the country is now gearing up for its next aviation endeavor. Plans are in motion to enhance and develop a widebody aircraft.

Initially, there was a joint effort between Russia and China to develop this widebody aircraft. However, due to geopolitical and technology-sharing concerns, Russia withdrew from the project. As a result, China is now determined to proceed with the development of its own commercial widebody aircraft.

The C919 aircraft, while impressive, is a narrow-body aircraft that incorporates some Western components, including engines and avionics, which play crucial roles in its construction and operations. China’s future vision includes equipping the C919 with its own domestically produced engines within the next few years.

With the second-largest aviation market in the world, China’s aviation sector is experiencing significant demand for aircraft. Consequently, the nation is actively planning to launch its own widebody aircraft to meet the growing needs of its aviation industry.

The largest aerospace company in China, Comac, is moving forward with the design of a new widebody passenger jet. Despite claims that its joint venture with Russia to produce the plane has failed.

According to reports, UAC a major player in the Russian aviation industry, has left COMAC’s wide-body passenger aircraft development cooperation. The aircraft, which can carry 280 passengers, is now being promoted by the business as an entirely Chinese development, and Russia is no longer mentioned as a partner in the project.

According to COMAC’s prediction, the widebody project is projected to be operational by 2026–2027, and three variants of the C929 variants are anticipated.

The C929-500 variant, which can accommodate 250 passengers, has a range of 14,000 kilometers. The C929-600 variant, which can accommodate 280 passengers, has a range of 12,000 kilometers. The C929-700, the longest variant of the model, is anticipated to fly up to 10,000 kilometers.

The primary designer of the domestically produced C919, Wu Guanghui, stated that the widebody C929 model will have 60% less carbon emissions than the previous versions.

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In the Indian market, HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) is currently making headlines for receiving a significant boost in business from Airbus. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited shares price increased by almost 10% in November 2023. as it received business orders from Airbus.

HAL share price today

Airbus has signed new contracts with numerous Indian suppliers to produce commercial aircraft parts, assisting the Indian government in realizing its “AatmaNirbharBharat” objective.

HAL share price nse is currently at hal share price today Rs 2055. It increased the 1.05% shares yesterday. According to the record, its price on November 1st was about Rs 1822. Other companies associated with Aerospace Deals have also seen a sharp rise in prices.

Airbus wing parts for the A320neo, A330neo, and A350

Contracts for the supply of airframe and Wing parts for the A320neo, A330neo, and A350 programs have been signed by Airbus with Aequs, Dynamatic, Gardner, and Mahindra Aerospace.

The latest agreements will help Airbus accelerate its commercial aircraft programs worldwide and enhance the nation’s aviation ecosystem’s knowledge and capabilities in various areas, including sheet metal, machining, and extrusion profiles.

Keypoints.

1. HAL and Airbus Collaboration:
   • Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is partnering with Airbus to establish a Maintenance Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility for the Airbus A320 family aircraft.
   • Airbus is collaborating with HAL to support HAL’s entry into commercial aircraft servicing.
2. Government’s Push for Localization:
   • The Modi government is encouraging aircraft manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing to source components from India, set up MRO facilities, and eventually establish a final assembly line in the country.
   • Orders worth $120 billion have been placed by Air India and IndiGo for nearly 1,000 Airbus A320 family aircraft.
3. Impact on Airlines:
   • Private airlines, including Air India, cannot offset requirements when placing aircraft orders.
   • The government aims to benefit from these orders through increased supply chains and the establishment of MRO facilities within India.
4. Airbus’s Commitment:
   • Airbus is committed to the holistic development of India’s aviation ecosystem and supports the growth of an indigenous MRO industry.
   • Airbus will assist HAL in tapping into the growing demand for MRO services, especially for the A320 family of aircraft.
5. Aircraft Types and Customers:
   • The Airbus A320 is the most used narrow-body aircraft with Indian carriers.
   • IndiGo is the world’s largest customer for the A320, with a substantial number of orders.
   • Air India and Vistara are other major customers.
6. HAL’s Vision:
   • HAL has a vision to establish an integrated MRO hub in India to provide effective MRO solutions.
   • This aligns with the government’s Make in India mission and the civil-military convergence.
7. Airbus’s Support:
   • Airbus will provide the A320 family tool package and specialized consulting services to HAL for setting up the MRO facility.
   • HAL will have access to AirbusWorld, a digital platform offering support, technical data, and training solutions.
8. HAL’s Capabilities:
   • HAL’s Nashik division already has capabilities in civil MRO, with DGCA-approved hangars and skilled manpower from their defense activities.

These key elements help summarize the collaboration between HAL and Airbus, the government’s localization efforts, the impact on airlines, Airbus’s commitment to India’s aviation ecosystem, and HAL’s existing capabilities.

India’s cutting-edge light helicopter Dhruv and light combat aircraft Tejas will take part in the biennial Dubai Airshow, which is set to take place from November 13 to November 17.

According to officials on Wednesday, the two platforms are a part of the Indian Air Force’s deployment at the prestigious event. According to an official statement, “an Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent has landed at the Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai to participate in the biennial Dubai Airshow.”

“The IAF contingent comprises two indigenous platforms – the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv,” stated the statement. The Sarang Helicopter Team will be showing off their formation aerobatics talents during the airshow, while the Tejas will be featured in both the static and aerial presentations.

India and the UAE have a strategic connection in terms of diplomacy. With the US, UAE, and Israel, India is a member of the “new QUAD,” or I2U2, which focuses on improving digital infrastructure, connectivity, and marine security.

The IAF further cemented ties between the two countries in 2020 when it used the UAE’s Al Dhafra air base as a critical layover point when transporting Rafale fighter planes from France.

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The AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) project is highly anticipated in the realm of Indian defense, primarily because India currently lacks advanced fighter jets beyond the Rafale aircraft.

The country does not possess a 5th generation fighter jet, making the AMCA project crucial. While India received proposals from both the United States and Russia to use their fighter jets, the decision was made to develop their own aircraft, minimizing reliance on foreign models.

AMCA program may experience further delays

Nevertheless, the AMCA program may experience further delays due to pending funding clearance. The Indian Defense Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is struggling to obtain approval from a government committee for this critical project, which is facing regulatory obstacles.

The AMCA represents a cutting-edge stealth fighter, and a prototype is anticipated by 2026. However, they require permission from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), which has been on hold for the past six months, causing concern within the defense community.

Initially, the estimated budget for the AMCA project was $2 billion. However, in 2023, an additional $5 billion was allocated for engine development, and $1.8 billion for the aircraft prototype. Currently, the Tejas Mark2 is preparing for its rollout from the factory, with plans for its debut in 2024 and full-scale production by 2026.

GE has also received approval and intends to establish engine manufacturing in India for the Tejas aircraft. The progress on the Tejas Mark2 has led to a temporary halt in the AMCA project due to funding clearance issues.

AMCA is divided into two phases

The development of the AMCA is divided into two phases. Phase 1 will result in the AMCA Mk-1, powered by the US GE-414 engine. Phase 2 will lead to the AMCA Mk2, equipped with an advanced and more potent engine developed in collaboration with an as-yet-undetermined foreign partner.

According to some sources, the AMCA is classified as a 4.5 generation fighter jet, lacking some features typically found in 5th generation fighter jets, such as full stealth capability, advanced avionics, radar features, and engine capacity. Nonetheless, it boasts two engines and an internal bay for carrying weapons.

The AMCA Mk-1 features limited stealth and draws inspiration from the F-35, which exhibits a reduced rear aspect radio frequency signature but retains suppressed infrared (IR) characteristics.

Argentina is apparently looking at acquiring advanced military equipment from India in order to strengthen its defense capabilities. According to a report, Argentina is planning to buy Prachanda helicopters and Tejas Mark 1A fighter jets. 

Jorge Taiana, the defense minister of Argentina, will speak with Rajnath Singh, the defense minister of India, in a bilateral meeting on July 18 to discuss ways to strengthen defense and collaboration during his visit to India. Additionally, a letter of intent to buy 20 “Prachand” helicopters is anticipated to be inked. A deal worth Rs 8675 crore could possibly be reached with India for the fourth-generation fighter aircraft Tejas Mark-1A and LCH Prachanda.

India’s first indigenous multi-role combat helicopter, the LCH Prachand, is capable of both aerial and ground attacks. The helicopter has a top speed of 288 mph, a combat radius of 500 km, and a service ceiling of 21,000 feet. Prachanda helicopters, known for their versatility and reliability, have gained international acclaim for their outstanding performance in challenging environments. These multi-role helicopters can be deployed for a wide range of missions, including troop transport, search and rescue operations, and anti-submarine warfare.

Additionally, Argentina needs 12 light combat aircraft, for which China and HAL have both offered letters of intent. This deal was expected to put Tejas against the Chinese JF-17, although HAL has made substantial progress in this area. Earlier, Argentina’s Defence Minister and Air Force Chief had expressed their desire to buy this Tejas aircraft in Aero India 2023. Tejas, a Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) made in India, is quickly becoming the first choice of several countries.

Tejas Mark 1A fighter jet is India’s indigenously developed state-of-the-art aircraft, widely acknowledged for its cutting-edge technology and exceptional combat capabilities. The lightweight, supersonic fighter jet boasts advanced avionics, smart weapons systems, and superior maneuverability, making it an ideal choice for modern air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements. By incorporating the Tejas Mark 1A into its air force, Argentina aims to strengthen its aerial defense and gain a competitive edge in the region.

Argentina’s decision to buy Tejas Mark 1A fighter planes and Prachanda helicopters comes at a crucial point as it works to solve security issues in the area and strengthen its position in the defense industry. The purchase of these cutting-edge aircraft represents a major advancement in the nation’s attempts to improve its military capabilities and keep a strong defense position.