Air India is to go back to the future to its glory days with a massive order for 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing aircraft.
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The much-anticipated Air India order will rejuvenate the airline once known for its fabulous service and operational excellence.
The Tata Group-owned Air India has ordered 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900s. Deliveries from Airbus are set to commence with the first A350-900 arriving by late-2023.
From, Boeing the airline has purchased 190 737 MAX, 20 787 Dreamliner and 10 777X aircraft and taken options for 50 additional 737 MAXs and 20 787-9s.
Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India said: “Airbus has been a longstanding partner of Air India, and these new aircraft will play an important part in delivering Air India’s comprehensive transformation and growth strategy. A core element of this transformation is the significant expansion of our network, both domestically and internationally, coupled with the elevation of our on-ground and onboard product to world-class standards. This order marks the start of a new chapter for both Airbus and Air India.”
Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International said: This is a historic moment for Airbus and for Air India. India is on the verge of an international air travel revolution and we are honoured that our partnership with the Tatas and our aircraft solutions will write that new chapter for the country’s air connectivity.”
“This acquisition of nearly 300, highly advanced Boeing jets is a core element of Vihaan.AI, the comprehensive transformation and growth strategy we are pursuing at Air India,” said Mr Wilson. “These new airplanes will enable us to dramatically expand our network, both domestically and internationally, and will come with a completely new, world-class onboard product enabling passengers to travel in the highest levels of comfort and safety. With this order, we are delighted to take our long relationship with Boeing to a new level.”
President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Stan Deal said: “Air India’s selection of Boeing’s family of passenger jets shows their confidence in our products and services in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, and their decision will support engineering and manufacturing jobs at Boeing factories in Washington state, South Carolina and across our supply base.”
The airline has a fleet of 27 787-8s, 18 777s, and 68 A320 family aircraft across three models while its Express operations has 26 737-800s.
