Tata Group-owned Air India is in discussions with Airbus and Boeing for a significant new aircraft order that may include around 200 additional single-aisle jets, industry sources told Reuters.
The deal would build on the airline’s massive 2023 order as it accelerates a multi-billion-dollar modernisation drive.
Two sources told Reuters the talks could involve hundreds of aircraft in total, across various sizes. The discussions also extend to a previously reported plan to acquire more wide-body aircraft, they added.
Air India, Airbus, and Boeing all declined to comment on the matter, the report added.
News of the potential new order surfaced as global aviation executives gathered in India—now the world’s fastest-growing air travel market—for an industry summit set to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
In 2023, Air India placed a record-breaking order for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, followed by another 100-jet deal with Airbus last year.
Also Read | Air India sees huge upside in passenger, cargo biz; open for more partnerships: CEO Campbell Wilson
The back-to-back orders come at a time when aircraft makers are grappling with widespread supply chain constraints, leading to delivery delays and a looming shortage of available jets.
For Air India, expanding its fleet is critical. The airline suffered from years of under-investment under government ownership and is now pursuing an aggressive revamp to regain market share lost to Gulf and Southeast Asian carriers.
While the final number of jets in the new order is yet to be confirmed, two sources estimated the narrow-body portion alone could involve around 200 aircraft. These jets form the backbone of most commercial airline fleets worldwide.
Also Read | Air India decides to retrofit 13 legacy A321 ceo planes
In an interview with ET on March 25, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said that while several narrow-body aircraft will be delivered this year, the airline is also taking wide-bodies like B787s and B777s out of service for retrofits.
“It means that we’re actually not able to grow. But it’s an investment for a good purpose,” Wilson told ET Bureau's Forum Gandhi.
Air India currently operates 198 aircraft, including 70 from the now-merged Vistara. Its low-cost arm Air India Express has a fleet of 103 aircraft, including 38 new Boeing jets from an October 2023 order, with nine more to be inducted by June 2025.
Wilson noted that while wide-body capacity will remain flat, the narrow-body additions will help drive growth in domestic and short-haul international markets this fiscal.
Air India’s total aircraft order book stands at 570 jets—350 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. However, aircraft shortages from both manufacturers are expected to persist for 4–5 years, Wilson added.
(With inputs from Reuters)
The deal would build on the airline’s massive 2023 order as it accelerates a multi-billion-dollar modernisation drive.
Two sources told Reuters the talks could involve hundreds of aircraft in total, across various sizes. The discussions also extend to a previously reported plan to acquire more wide-body aircraft, they added.
Air India, Airbus, and Boeing all declined to comment on the matter, the report added.
News of the potential new order surfaced as global aviation executives gathered in India—now the world’s fastest-growing air travel market—for an industry summit set to be addressed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday.
In 2023, Air India placed a record-breaking order for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, followed by another 100-jet deal with Airbus last year.
Also Read | Air India sees huge upside in passenger, cargo biz; open for more partnerships: CEO Campbell Wilson
The back-to-back orders come at a time when aircraft makers are grappling with widespread supply chain constraints, leading to delivery delays and a looming shortage of available jets.
For Air India, expanding its fleet is critical. The airline suffered from years of under-investment under government ownership and is now pursuing an aggressive revamp to regain market share lost to Gulf and Southeast Asian carriers.
While the final number of jets in the new order is yet to be confirmed, two sources estimated the narrow-body portion alone could involve around 200 aircraft. These jets form the backbone of most commercial airline fleets worldwide.
Also Read | Air India decides to retrofit 13 legacy A321 ceo planes
In an interview with ET on March 25, Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson said that while several narrow-body aircraft will be delivered this year, the airline is also taking wide-bodies like B787s and B777s out of service for retrofits.
“It means that we’re actually not able to grow. But it’s an investment for a good purpose,” Wilson told ET Bureau's Forum Gandhi.
Air India currently operates 198 aircraft, including 70 from the now-merged Vistara. Its low-cost arm Air India Express has a fleet of 103 aircraft, including 38 new Boeing jets from an October 2023 order, with nine more to be inducted by June 2025.
Wilson noted that while wide-body capacity will remain flat, the narrow-body additions will help drive growth in domestic and short-haul international markets this fiscal.
Air India’s total aircraft order book stands at 570 jets—350 from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. However, aircraft shortages from both manufacturers are expected to persist for 4–5 years, Wilson added.
(With inputs from Reuters)
You may also like
Seven killed as heavy rain, storm batters Bihar
North Carolina launches week of action to secure firearms to combat gun theft and violence
Big Relief: Government Reduces Import Duty on Edible Oil by 10%, Mustard Oil Prices Likely to Drop by 4%
Health: COVID-19 cases in India crossed 4 thousand, do 5 breathing exercises for 10 minutes daily for healthy lungs..
Joan Garcia 'agrees' transfer as Arsenal learn result of Barcelona's late U-turn
