Airbus’ rare touchdown shows India’s sky power rising with jumbo orders

For the first time in its history, Airbus’ board of directors convened in Delhi this week, a move that signals a clear shift in India’s standing in the aerospace world. Traditionally, such high-level off-site board meetings take place in Europe or in countries with major Airbus manufacturing hubs, like China, where the board visited the A320 final assembly line in 2018.

Delhi, however, represents a market that has grown from an emerging customer to a strategic partner, both in terms of orders and long-term industry collaboration.

The visit comes as India’s commercial aviation sector is booming. Operational airlines, led by Indigo and the Tata Group, dominate the landscape.