India, Sept. 11 -- Indian aviation finds itself at the crossroads - again. Currently, the country of 1.4 billion is being serviced by a total of 850-odd aircraft (many are grounded due to various constraints at any point) but by 2040, based on the aircraft on order, another 1,200 should be added to the country's total fleet strength.

The shortage of commanders and pilots to operate this fleet is already at around 15-20% as per industry estimates, and is expected to rise as airlines begin to induct their new aircraft. Consulting firm CAPA has estimated that India will need another 10,000 new captains in the next decade, till 2034. Airbus has further projected that the country - based on its present aircraft orders - will require 34,000 ne...