In a bold move to strengthen its fleet and cater to growing passenger demand, Air India has placed an order for 100 additional aircraft with Airbus.
This purchase includes 10 widebody A350s and 90 narrowbody A320 family jets, further enhancing the airline’s capacity for both domestic and international operations.
This latest order is part of Air India's ongoing expansion strategy under Tata Group's ownership, which took over the airline in 2022. It follows last year’s record-breaking order for 470 aircraft, comprising 300 A320neo family jets, 50 A350s, and a combination of 190 Boeing 737 MAX, 10 Boeing 777X, and 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
When announced, the 2023 deal was the largest single order ever placed by a commercial airline, with an estimated value exceeding $70 billion at list prices. The new order brings Air India’s total aircraft acquisitions from Airbus this year to 350, marking a significant step in its ambition to become a world-class carrier connecting India globally.
The surge in aircraft orders reflects the rapid growth of India's aviation sector, characterized by increased passenger traffic and fleet expansion.
IndiGo, the country’s largest carrier, has placed orders for 1,260 aircraft since 2011, while newcomer Akasa Air has ordered 226 planes since its inception in 2021. Together, India’s three major airlines - IndiGo, Air India, and Akasa Air - have collectively ordered aircraft worth over $100 billion, highlighting the country’s booming aviation market.
Air India’s expansion aligns with Tata Sons Chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran’s vision of transforming the airline into a global leader. “These additional 100 Airbus aircraft will position Air India for greater growth and support our mission to connect India to every corner of the world,” Chandrasekaran said.
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed his satisfaction with the latest partnership, noting the remarkable growth of India’s aviation sector. “We are delighted that Air India continues to place its trust in Airbus with this significant order,” Faury stated.