Air India, a global airline owned by the Tata Group, signed purchase agreements with Airbus and Boeing to acquire 470 aircraft, advancing its $70 billion (based on list prices) fleet expansion programme announced in February of this year. The purchase agreements were executed in conjunction with the ongoing Paris Air Show.
Air India has placed definitive orders for 34 A350-1000, six A350-900, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, ten Boeing 777X, as well as 140 Airbus A320neo, 70 Airbus A321neo, and 190 Boeing 737MAX aircraft.
Commenting on the development, N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, said, “This landmark step further positions Air India for long-term growth and success that, we have every hope, will come together to represent the best of modern aviation to the world.”
Air India’s CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson, stated, “Within five years, Air India will operate the most sophisticated and fuel-efficient aircraft across our route network as part of our ambitious fleet renewal and expansion programme. “We are proud to be working with all of our partners on this journey to rebuild a global airline that reflects India’s more assertive stance in the international community.”
Satair, a subsidiary of Airbus, and Boeing Global Services will provide Air India with a variety of services, such as parts and maintenance provisioning, digital applications, and modification services.
The Airbus A350 will be the first of the new aircraft to be delivered later this year, with the majority of the order arriving after mid-2025.
Air India has begun receiving 11 leased B777 and 25 leased A320 aircraft in order to accelerate its fleet and network expansion.
“We are thrilled to be a vital partner in the Flying Maharaja’s reinvention. Under the leadership of the Tata Group and a new, focused management team, this is one of the most ambitious initiatives currently underway in the airline industry. Air India reclaims its rightful position as a world-class premium carrier, and we are pleased that the efficiencies, comfort, and range capability of our newest generation of aircraft will contribute to this process. The Airbus services bundle is an ideal choice for the transformation of Air India, according to Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International Sales at Airbus.
“The fuel-efficient mix of next-generation aircraft, including the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, and 777X, will sustainably power Air India’s future fleet in the world’s fastest-growing commercial aviation market,” stated Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes.
Source- travel biz
