GE Aerospace expects engines made by the company and its joint venture partner to power approximately nine out of every 10 new aircraft delivered to Indian airlines over the coming decade, according to Vikram Rai, CEO for South Asia at GE Aerospace. The projection reflects the company’s established position in India’s commercial aviation market, where more than 1,400 GE and partner-made commercial engines were operating as of December 2025. Rai said more than 3,400 additional engines were expected to be delivered over the next nine to 10 years, as Indian airlines expand their fleets to meet rising passenger demand.
The outlook also creates opportunities for India’s aerospace manufacturing and maintenance industries. GE Aerospace plans to nearly double its spending on Indian suppliers between 2025 and 2030, building on its existing manufacturing and engineering operations. Meanwhile, the company estimates that the addition of thousands of aircraft engines could create more than $5.5 billion in opportunities for India’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) industry. These projections depend on aircraft deliveries, engine production, supply-chain capacity and the expansion of local maintenance capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Engine market share: GE Aerospace and its partner are expected to power approximately nine out of 10 new aircraft delivered to Indian airlines over the coming decade.
- Existing fleet: More than 1,400 GE and partner-made commercial engines were operating in India as of December 2025.
- Future deliveries: GE Aerospace’s South Asia CEO cited more than 3,400 additional engines expected to be delivered over the next nine to 10 years.
- Aircraft orders: Indian airlines have more than 1,700 aircraft on order, according to the report.
- Supplier investment: GE Aerospace plans to nearly double its annual supplier spending in India between 2025 and 2030.
- MRO opportunity: The company estimates that the growing fleet could create more than $5.5 billion in opportunities for India’s aircraft maintenance industry.
- Local manufacturing: GE’s Pune facility and its engineering operations in Bengaluru are central to its Indian aerospace footprint.
- Important distinction: The nine-in-10 projection is a company forecast, not a guarantee that every aircraft delivery will use GE or partner-made engines.
Why GE Aerospace Expects to Power 9 in 10 New Aircraft
India’s commercial aviation market has been expanding as airlines add capacity, introduce new routes and prepare for higher passenger volumes. Aircraft orders placed by carriers create a long-term pipeline for engine manufacturers, because every aircraft requires compatible propulsion systems and ongoing maintenance throughout its operating life.
According to Fortune India, GE Aerospace expects its engines and those made by its partner to power most of the approximately 1,700 new aircraft already ordered by Indian airlines and expected to enter service over the coming decade.
The forecast is particularly relevant to narrow-body aircraft, which typically operate short- and medium-haul routes. These aircraft are widely used by Indian carriers for domestic services and regional international routes.
GE Aerospace’s position is supported by its role in CFM International, a 50:50 joint venture with France’s Safran Aircraft Engines. CFM produces the CFM56 and LEAP engine families, which power several widely used single-aisle aircraft models.
The projection does not mean GE Aerospace independently manufactures every engine covered by the estimate. The distinction matters because CFM International is a separate joint venture, and its engines are developed and produced through the partnership.
Nor does the forecast mean that GE will supply engines for every aircraft type entering the Indian market. Wide-body aircraft, regional aircraft and other categories may use different engine platforms, depending on aircraft selection and airline requirements.
India’s Aircraft Orders Create a Long-Term Engine Pipeline
The scale of Indian airlines’ aircraft orders provides a basis for the expected growth in engine deliveries. Carriers have placed large orders to expand their fleets, replace older aircraft and prepare for increasing demand.
Aircraft purchases typically involve long lead times. Airlines may place orders years before delivery, while manufacturers coordinate production schedules, component availability and engine supply. Engine makers must therefore plan manufacturing capacity and maintenance support well in advance.
GE Aerospace said more than 3,400 additional commercial engines were expected to be delivered to India over the next nine to 10 years, according to Rai’s comments reported by Fortune India.
The forecast is broader than a simple count of aircraft. Commercial aircraft generally use two main engines, while engine deliveries can also be affected by spare-engine requirements, fleet configurations and the timing of production.
| Indicator | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| GE and partner-made commercial engines operating in India as of December 2025 | More than 1,400 |
| Additional engines expected over the next nine to 10 years, according to Rai | More than 3,400 |
| Aircraft already ordered by Indian airlines | More than 1,700 |
| Estimated additional aircraft required across India and South Asia by 2044 | 3,300 |
| Estimated engines corresponding to that regional requirement | 6,600 |
Sources: Fortune India and GE Aerospace’s October 2026 report. The figures cover different timeframes and geographic scopes; they should not be treated as directly interchangeable forecasts.
GE Aerospace’s broader report estimates that India and South Asia could require approximately 3,300 additional aircraft, equivalent to 6,600 engines, by 2044. This is a regional long-term estimate, whereas the 1,700-plus figure refers to aircraft already ordered by Indian airlines.
The difference illustrates the potential scale of the market, but actual deliveries will depend on airline finances, aircraft-manufacturer production rates, engine availability and changes in passenger demand.
CFM International: The Partnership Behind the Forecast
CFM International is a 50:50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines. Its products are central to the single-aisle aircraft market, including aircraft used extensively for domestic and regional travel.
The LEAP engine family powers aircraft such as the Airbus A320neo family and Boeing 737 MAX, while CFM56 engines have powered earlier generations of widely used narrow-body aircraft.
These aircraft types are important to India’s aviation expansion because single-aisle jets can serve high-frequency domestic routes and many regional international markets. Their use by major airlines creates a continuing requirement for engines, spare parts, repairs and maintenance services.
In July 2026, IndiGo announced a memorandum of understanding with CFM International for an order of more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines to power 510 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, according to GE Aerospace’s report. The arrangement also included support for establishing IndiGo’s planned engine MRO facility.
That order illustrates the scale of the commercial opportunity for CFM. It also shows how aircraft procurement can generate related investment in maintenance infrastructure and engineering capabilities.
However, engine orders and aircraft orders are not equivalent. A single aircraft order can be accompanied by a separate engine agreement, and delivery schedules may differ. Long-term forecasts should therefore be read alongside confirmed contracts and actual deliveries.
GE Aerospace Plans to Increase Indian Supplier Spending
Alongside its engine-delivery outlook, GE Aerospace has announced plans to nearly double its annual supplier spending in India between 2025 and 2030.
The company said it spent approximately $200 million on its in-country supply chain in 2025. Increasing that spending would expand the role of Indian manufacturers supplying components and services to the global aerospace industry.
GE Aerospace’s Indian supplier network includes its Pune manufacturing facility and 16 other major suppliers across the country, according to Fortune India. Its activities also include research and engineering at its technology centre in Bengaluru.
The company said its Pune facility produces commercial engine components for customers in India and overseas. That makes the facility part of an international supply chain rather than a manufacturing base serving only the domestic market.
What higher supplier spending could mean
Aerospace manufacturing involves demanding technical and quality requirements. Components must meet strict specifications, withstand challenging operating conditions and be produced with consistent quality.
Increasing local sourcing can create opportunities for manufacturers that have the technical capabilities and certifications needed to supply engine components. It can also support investment in precision machining, inspection equipment, specialised welding and production processes.
GE Aerospace announced an additional ₹100 crore investment in its Pune manufacturing facility in May 2026. The investment was intended to support new welding technologies, advanced inspection equipment, precision tools and other improvements. The company said this would take its investment in the facility to more than ₹510 crore over three years.
The planned increase in supplier spending could help expand local manufacturing capabilities, but the benefits will depend on how much work is placed with Indian suppliers and whether those suppliers can meet cost, quality and delivery requirements.
Aerospace manufacturing is not easily scaled in the same way as many general industrial activities. Suppliers must demonstrate reliable processes, traceability and consistent production standards. Building those capabilities can require sustained investment and close coordination with engine manufacturers.
The $5.5 Billion Opportunity for India’s Aircraft MRO Industry
One of the most significant opportunities linked to the aircraft-delivery forecast is the potential expansion of maintenance, repair and overhaul services.
Aircraft engines require regular inspections, repairs, component replacement and major overhauls during their operating lives. These activities are essential to maintaining safety, reliability and performance.
As the number of aircraft operating in India increases, demand for engine maintenance is also expected to rise. Airlines need maintenance support to keep aircraft in service, manage operating costs and reduce the risk of prolonged downtime.
GE Aerospace’s report estimates that the additional engines associated with India’s growing commercial fleet could create more than $5.5 billion in opportunities for the country’s MRO industry.
The estimate represents a potential business opportunity rather than revenue already earned by Indian MRO providers. Its realisation will depend on the fleet entering service, engine utilisation, maintenance schedules and the share of work performed in India.
Why local engine maintenance matters
Sending engines overseas for major maintenance can add logistics costs and increase the time an engine spends away from an airline’s fleet. Local repair and overhaul capabilities can help reduce turnaround times and support the development of a domestic aerospace-services ecosystem.
India has been seeking to expand its aircraft maintenance sector as airlines increase their fleets. Engine MRO requires specialised infrastructure, trained personnel, technical documentation and access to approved parts and repair processes.
The sector can also create opportunities beyond the airlines themselves. Component manufacturers, engineering companies, training providers and specialised service businesses may benefit as the maintenance ecosystem grows.
However, the scale of the opportunity will not automatically translate into business for every Indian MRO company. Providers must secure customer contracts, obtain the necessary approvals, invest in facilities and demonstrate the technical ability to service the relevant engine types.
GE Aerospace’s Four-Decade Presence in India
GE Aerospace says it has worked with India’s aerospace ecosystem for nearly four decades. Its operations span commercial aviation, defence propulsion, manufacturing, engineering and maintenance support.
The company employs more than 2,700 people in India, according to Fortune India. Its activities include commercial engine components, propulsion technology for defence platforms and research and development.
The Bengaluru technology centre has contributed to engineering and research, while the Pune facility supports component manufacturing. The company has also worked with Indian partners in defence aviation and naval propulsion.
GE Aerospace’s involvement extends beyond commercial passenger aircraft. Its engines support India’s Light Combat Aircraft programme, and the company has supplied propulsion systems for other defence applications.
In April 2026, GE Aerospace announced an agreement with the Indian Air Force to help establish an in-country depot for F404-IN20 engines used by the Tejas light combat aircraft fleet. The facility is intended to support local maintenance and reduce dependence on overseas repair centres once operational.
These defence activities are separate from the commercial-aircraft forecast, but they demonstrate the range of the company’s industrial relationships in India.
The commercial and defence businesses also have different customers, regulatory requirements and procurement processes. Their contribution to local manufacturing and engineering should therefore be evaluated separately.
What the Expansion Means for India’s Aerospace Supply Chain
The projected aircraft deliveries could support demand across several parts of India’s aerospace ecosystem.
Component manufacturing: More engine production and maintenance activity may create demand for precision-machined parts, specialised materials and other components.
Engineering and research: Aircraft and engine manufacturers require engineering support for product development, testing, maintenance and process improvement.
Maintenance services: A larger installed fleet creates recurring demand for inspections, repairs, overhaul work and replacement components.
Skills and training: Aerospace manufacturing and MRO require specialised engineering, inspection and maintenance skills, creating a need for trained technicians and engineers.
Export opportunities: Indian suppliers that meet international standards may be able to serve customers beyond the domestic aviation market.
The benefits will depend on the industry’s ability to build technical expertise, attract investment and maintain quality. Aerospace programmes operate on long timelines, and suppliers must often demonstrate their capabilities before receiving significant production work.
The local supply chain also faces competition from established manufacturing centres in other countries. Indian companies will need to compete on quality, delivery reliability, technical capability and total cost rather than relying solely on the growth of the domestic aviation market.
Risks and Challenges to the Forecast
The nine-in-10 projection is a company estimate and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed market outcome.
Aircraft deliveries can be delayed by production constraints, supply-chain disruptions, airline financing and changes in fleet plans. Engine deliveries depend on the same broad factors, as well as the ability of manufacturers to increase output.
Airline demand can also change. Higher fuel costs, currency fluctuations, economic uncertainty and pressure on ticket prices can affect airlines’ financial performance and their ability to expand fleets as planned.
For suppliers and MRO businesses, the key challenge is converting the expected demand into actual contracts and revenue. Facilities require capital investment, skilled workers and technical approvals, while engine maintenance involves complex procedures and strict safety requirements.
Competition is another consideration. Although GE Aerospace and its partner are expected to power most of the aircraft in the reported pipeline, other manufacturers also serve the global market. The eventual engine mix will depend on aircraft types, airline procurement decisions and the terms of individual contracts.
The forecast nevertheless provides an indication of the potential scale of the opportunity if India’s aircraft orders translate into deliveries broadly along the expected timeline.
The Bigger Picture
GE Aerospace’s projection that its engines and partner-made engines will power around 90% of new aircraft delivered to Indian airlines over the coming decade reflects its strong position in the country’s narrow-body aircraft market. More than 1,700 aircraft are on order with Indian carriers, and the expected expansion of the fleet could support additional demand for engine manufacturing, supplier investment and maintenance services. GE Aerospace’s plans to increase Indian supplier spending also point to opportunities for local manufacturers to become more deeply integrated into global aerospace supply chains.
The longer-term benefits will depend on execution. Aircraft and engine deliveries must occur as planned, Indian suppliers must meet demanding quality standards, and MRO providers must invest in the capacity and expertise required to serve a growing fleet. The projected $5.5 billion MRO opportunity is not guaranteed revenue, but it indicates the scale of the potential market that could emerge as more aircraft enter service and require maintenance throughout their operating lives.
Looking Ahead
The next milestones will include aircraft deliveries to Indian airlines, engine production schedules, the expansion of GE Aerospace’s Indian supplier base and the development of local maintenance facilities. The company’s planned increase in supplier spending through 2030 will be an important indicator of whether its forecast translates into additional manufacturing work in India. Airline procurement decisions and aircraft-manufacturer delivery schedules will also influence how quickly the expected demand materialises.
For India, the opportunity extends beyond the number of aircraft flying in the country. A larger fleet can support a broader industrial ecosystem involving manufacturing, engineering, maintenance and skilled employment. Capturing that opportunity will require sustained investment, workforce development, reliable production and internationally competitive quality standards. The outcome will become clearer as the current aircraft order pipeline converts into deliveries and local aerospace businesses secure a greater share of the associated work.
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