India Set To Operate Youngest Aircraft Fleet In Five Years, Say Aviation Leaders

India’s aviation sector is on track to operate the youngest aircraft fleet in the world within the next five years, significantly reducing emissions and reshaping global sustainability benchmarks, according to top industry executives.

Speaking at the India Travel & Tourism Sustainability Conclave 2025, Akasa Air Co-Founder Aditya Ghosh expressed optimism about the industry’s direction.

He stated, “Five years from now, I definitely feel when you compare Indian aviation to the rest of the world, we will be flying the youngest feet in the sky, which basically means, by math, that we will be actually emitting the least.”

Ghosh pointed to aircraft orders as a key indicator, noting that in about 2,000 days, India will be operating one of the most modern fleets globally.

Although India is currently the third largest aviation market and the third largest emitter in the sector, Ghosh emphasized, “We’re also the third largest emitter. Today, aviation contributes to 1 per cent of emissions in India, which is less than the global average.”

However, with the sector’s expansion, emissions are also likely to rise more rapidly.

A Front-Runner In Emissions Reduction

SpiceJet Chairman and Managing Director Ajay Singh shared a similar outlook.

“India is going to be right at the forefront of being one of the lowest emitters in the world in the aviation sector,” he asserted.

Ajay Singh further noted, “Aviation is going to be one of the most exciting areas in the Indian economy, there is no doubt. There is going to be rapid growth, more and more people are going to fly different modes of flight as well, not just aircraft.”

Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh noted that prior to the FY23 merger with AirAsia India, only 10% of the airline’s fleet comprised new-generation aircraft.

“We closed the last financial year with 50:50 – 50 percent new gen and 50 percent old. Next year, two-thirds will be new gen. So that is rapidly moving,” he said.

Singh emphasized that sustainability involves more than just fuel efficiency – it also includes broader contributions to society and commitment to the circular economy.

As a part of the Tata Group, where sustainability is deeply ingrained, he stated, “We look at sustainability with a much broader lens.”

Also Read: UNCTAD Forecasts 6.5% Growth For India In 2025 Despite Global Slowdown