NEW DELHI – Air India, under the ownership of the Tata Group, is reportedly considering a significant expansion of its long-haul fleet, with discussions underway for a substantial new order of widebody aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing.
Industry sources indicate that Air India is exploring the acquisition of 30 to 40 new widebody jets, with the potential for the order to exceed 50 aircraft. The deliberations center around the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 777X models, signaling Air India’s ambition to bolster its international operations.
This potential order comes on the heels of Air India’s landmark 2023 agreement for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, and a subsequent order for 100 additional Airbus aircraft in 2024. However, those previous orders were largely focused on narrowbody aircraft, designed for domestic and regional routes. This new widebody acquisition would significantly enhance Air India’s capacity for long-haul international flights.
Key points to consider in this Air India Expasion
- Strategic Expansion:
- The potential order aligns with Air India’s strategy to regain its position as a leading global airline.
- It reflects the airline’s commitment to modernizing its fleet and expanding its international network.
- Market Demand:
- The move coincides with a surge in international passenger traffic from India, which is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
- Air India aims to capitalize on this growing demand and increase its market share.
- Aircraft Manufacturer Discussions:
- Air India is engaged in discussions with both Airbus and Boeing to finalize the details of the potential order.
- It has been reported that final details could become clearer closer to the Paris Air Show in June 2025.
- Challenges:
- Air India, like many airlines, is facing challenges due to global aircraft delivery delays. This is causing the airline to have to keep older aircraft in service for longer than previously planned.
The potential new widebody order underscores the Tata Group’s commitment to revitalizing Air India and transforming it into a world-class airline. As discussions progress, the aviation industry will be closely watching for further developments.
