The ongoing strike by Boeing workers, who recently rejected a new compensation deal, has raised alarm bells for Indian carriers anticipating new aircraft deliveries. With major airlines such as Akasa Air and the Air India group having placed substantial orders for 386 Boeing planes—predominantly the narrow-body 737 Max model—the implications of this industrial unrest are significant.
Aviation consultancy firm CAPA India has revised its projections for the fleet size of four major airlines, reducing expectations from 812 aircraft to between 806 and 811 by the end of FY25. This adjustment underscores the growing capacity crisis exacerbated by Boeing’s workforce disruptions. According to Kapil Kaul, CEO of CAPA India, the strike is particularly detrimental to Akasa Air’s operational plans for FY25 and will likely impede Air India’s expansion in FY26. Akasa Air, currently operating 25 aircraft, initially planned to induct seven new planes this fiscal year, but expectations have been downgraded to just one. India is projected to have about 120 non-operational aircraft needing maintenance by March 2025. SpiceJet is expected to return half of its 40 grounded planes to service by FY25-end, contributing to a projected fleet size of 776 to 780 aircraft. Despite rising passenger traffic, the industry faces estimated losses of $400 to $600 million due to capacity shortages. Consumers express frustration while hoping for expanded services and sustainable aviation solutions amidst ongoing disruptions.
As airlines face delays in aircraft deliveries, travelers experience increased flight cancellations or delays, disrupting their plans and causing frustration. Additionally, the resulting capacity shortages mean there are fewer seats available, potentially leading to overcrowded flights and higher ticket prices due to increased demand. With limited availability of new aircraft, airlines struggle to introduce new routes or enhance services, restricting choices for travelers. Financial strain on airlines also leads to higher fares as operational challenges force them to pass on costs to consumers, raising concerns about the long-term viability of some carriers. Frustration among passengers likely grows, especially as many are eager to travel post-pandemic, which diminishes consumer confidence in airlines.
