MC EXCLUSIVE AI Summit: Airbus' India President Westermeier reveals 1,300 aircraft delivery plan for India over next decade

Jürgen Westermeier, President and MD for India & South Asia, Airbus.

• Airbus has 8,700 aircraft backlog, 15 percent for India
• 1,300 aircraft to be delivered to India over next 10 years
• India is Airbus' fastest growing aviation market

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Airbus has a backlog of 8,700 aircrafts today, and 15 percent of that backlog is in India, Jürgen Westermeier, President and MD for India & South Asia, Airbus told Moneycontrol on Wednesday, adding that India is a "material country" for us.

“The backlog is for the next 10 years -- where we will deliver 1,300 aircrafts (to India)," Westermeier said in an exclusive interview. He was speaking on the sidelines of India AI Impact Summit 2026.

"I really appreciate the leadership of Indian government to promote the aviation sector," said Airbus’ India MD.

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He further noted that "India is the quickest growing aviation market today", and I can say that we are supporting this ecosystem.

"We are part of bringing wings to India to enable growth of the country," said Westermeier. He added that aircraft is great means of transportation in India, especially after Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the UDAN scheme for shorter routes.

"It’s really a pleasure for me to part of this country – the fastest growing aviation market today."

Airbus has a significant presence in India, with over 3600 employees across its various sites. Supporting more than 15,000 jobs through its supply chain, Airbus contributes to India’s economic growth by sourcing over EUR 1 billion annually in components and services for global exports, says the company’s website.

Airbus first entered the commercial aviation market in India in 1976. Today, Airbus’ aircrafts accounts for about 72% of the domestic commercial aviation market in the country.