Airlines employ most of India’s pilots and aircraft maintenance engineers. Here is every scheduled operator in DGCA’s list as on 31 August 2026, with the number of aircraft listed.
Fleet sizes
- IndiGo: 425
- Air India: 185
- Air India Express: 107
- SpiceJet: 49
- Akasa Air: 41
- Alliance Air: 21
- Star Air: 9
- Blue Dart (cargo): 8
- FLY91: 6
- IndiaOne Air: 3
- Quikjet (cargo): 2
- Skyhop Aviation: 1
Each airline’s page in our directory shows its fleet by aircraft type and the seats DGCA lists.
What it means for pilots
Airlines hire for specific aircraft types, and new pilots usually need a type rating for that aircraft. Most entry-level airline jobs are on the types the largest fleets fly, so check each airline’s fleet by type in the directory before you plan a type rating. Regional airlines and charter operators fly turboprops and smaller jets, which is where some pilots build hours first. Start with how to become a commercial pilot.
What it means for engineers
Airlines need licensed engineers on the types they fly, and maintenance organisations approved under CAR 145 serve them. See AME licence in India and where India’s maintenance organisations are.
Common questions
How many scheduled airlines are there in India?
DGCA’s list of scheduled and scheduled commuter operators as on 31 August 2026 has 12.
Which Indian airline has the most aircraft?
IndiGo, with 425 aircraft in DGCA’s list as on 31 August 2026, followed by Air India with 185.
Do I need a type rating to join an Indian airline?
Airlines fly specific types and pilots need a type rating on them, which airlines may provide through cadet programmes or require candidates to hold.
Sources
General information, checked against the sources above on the date published. It is not legal, regulatory or medical advice. Rules change, so confirm with DGCA or the relevant authority before acting.