Air India, under Tata Group ownership, has revealed an order for ten A350 wide-body aircraft and 90 single-aisle A320-family jets, solidifying its fleet modernisation plans. This latest order, already accounted for in Airbus’ 2024 orderbook, complements the substantial purchase made in 2023 of 40 A350s and 210 A320-family aircraft. With these additions, Air India’s total Airbus order now stands at 344 aircraft, six of which—A350-900s—have already been delivered.
The airline has also opted for Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) package to enhance the reliability and performance of its expanding A350 fleet. Airbus FHS is a comprehensive material and maintenance service based on a contractual fixed hourly-rate payment. FHS-C will provide Air India with fully integrated component services including on-site stock at Delhi. It will also provide the airline access to Airbus mutualised regional spares pools as well as repair and engineering services for a wide range of replaceable parts. FHS-C’s guaranteed service levels and component engineering expertise will allow Air India to benefit from maximised aircraft availability and operating maintenance cost savings.
The purchases and service contracts align with the carrier’s broader fleet modernisation programme aimed at scaling operations and supporting the airline’s transformation under the “Vihaan.AI” strategic initiative.
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, applauding Air India’s trust in Airbus and the airline’s efforts to modernise its fleet under Tata’s vision. “We are committed to supporting the success of Air India’s ‘Vihaan.AI’ transformation plan,” he said.
This expansion marks a milestone for Indian aviation, with Air India commencing operations of the A350 in January 2024, making it the first Airbus wide-body aircraft to serve the Indian market.
