New Delhi: Air India announced today that it has finalized its order for 250 Airbus aircraft and 220 new Boeing jets, amounting to a total value of $70 billion at list prices. The airline signed separate purchase agreements with both planemakers during the Paris Airshow, encompassing the aircraft as well as associated services.
The firm orders from Air India include 70 widebody planes, consisting of 34 A350-1000s and six A350-900s from Airbus, along with 20 787 Dreamliners and 10 777Xs from Boeing. Additionally, the order comprises 140 Airbus A320neo, 70 Airbus A321neo, and 190 Boeing 737 MAX narrowbody aircraft.
Air India has also secured options to purchase an additional 70 planes from Boeing, including 50 737 MAXs and 20 787 Dreamliners, making it Boeing's largest order in South Asia.
In a tweet, Air India expressed its satisfaction, stating, "Happy to share that we have signed purchase agreements with @Airbus and @BoeingAirplanes at Paris Air Show today to add 470 new aircraft to enhance our fleet strength! Air India is committed to playing its part in building New India."
Boeing confirmed the finalization of the order in a statement, revealing that the two companies have agreed on up to 290 new Boeing jets, including 70 on option, as well as expanded services.
Air India stated that these agreements mark a significant step in its $70 billion fleet expansion program, which was announced earlier this year. Deliveries of the new aircraft will commence later this year, with the majority of the order expected to arrive from mid-2025 onwards, starting with the Airbus A350.
N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, emphasized that this milestone positions the airline for long-term growth and success, aiming to showcase the best of modern aviation to the world.
To expedite fleet and network expansion, Air India has already begun receiving 11 leased B777 and 25 A320 aircraft. Campbell Wilson, Air India CEO and MD, expressed the airline's ambition to operate the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft across its route network within the next five years.
Supporting Air India's fleet expansion, Satair, an Airbus company, and Boeing Global Services will provide a wide range of solutions, including parts and maintenance provisioning, digital applications, and modification services. Boeing added that its aviation services will enable Air India to sustainably expand its operations in South Asia's rapidly growing aviation market.
According to Boeing's statement, the in-service fleet in South Asia is projected to more than triple from 700 to 2,300 aircraft over the next 20 years in response to increasing passenger demand.
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