As reported by AviTrader on January 23, Tata-owned Air India has confirmed that it is to acquire 250 jets from European planemaker Airbus, and 190 jets from America’s Boeing Co, with an option for a further 100 jets from the latter.
The order from Airbus will include 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft, while 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets will see the A350-family of jets entering the Indian market for the first time. The Airbus order will enable Air India to both modernise and expand its fleet in order to create a larger and premium full-service carrier able to cater to the growing travel demand in the region. Deliveries are set to begin with the first A350-900 arriving by late-2023.
Over the next ten years it is estimated that India will have the largest population in the world and with an expanding economy a burgeoning middle class will spend more on air travel. Consequently, passenger traffic in India will grow rapidly, including on the long-range markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific which the the A350 will be well positioned to serve.
Air India has also confirmed it will be buying 190 Boeing 737 Max narrow-body jets, along with 20 787 Dreamliners and ten 777X wide-body jets, while also taking an option on 50 further 737 MAXs and 20 787-9s. The carrier has also contracted with Boeing Global Services for lifecycle support services, including digital solutions, spare parts and landing gear exchange programs, pilot and maintenance technician training, aircraft modifications and other services.
