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 A350-1000s, six A350-900s, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and 10 Boeing 777Xs, as well as 140 Airbus A320neo, 70 Airbus A321neo, and 190 Boeing 737MAXs.

Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, stated, “This landmark step further positions Air India for long-term growth and success, which we hope will represent the best of modern aviation around the globe.”
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.

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus, declared, “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.We are pleased that the efficiencies, comfort, and range capability of our most recent generation of aircraft will help Air India reclaim its rightful place as a world-class premium carrier.”The Airbus services package is a suitable choice for Air India’s transformation, as it is geared towards the future.

Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer of Boeing Commercial Aeroplanes, stated, “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.”
Source- travel daily
Link: https://www.traveldailymedia.com/air-india-firms-up-orders-for-470-airbus-and-boeing-aircraft/