New Delhi: Air India announced on Monday that it has finalized an order for 100 additional Airbus aircraft, which includes 10 widebody A350s and 90 narrowbody A320 Family aircraft, specifically the A321neo model.
This latest acquisition adds to the 470 aircraft that Air India had previously ordered from Airbus and Boeing last year.
With this new order, the total number of Airbus aircraft ordered by Air India in 2023 rises from 250—comprising 40 A350s and 210 A320 Family aircraft—to 350.
Additionally, Air India revealed that it has chosen Airbus' Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) to assist with the maintenance needs of its expanding A350 fleet.
This new materials and maintenance agreement is designed to enhance the reliability and performance of Air India's A350 fleet, offering comprehensive engineering services and integrated component support, including on-site inventory in Delhi provided by Airbus.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, stated, "Given that India's passenger growth is outpacing global trends, coupled with significantly improving infrastructure and a young, aspirational population increasingly seeking global experiences, we believe there is a strong rationale for Air India to expand its fleet beyond the 470 aircraft ordered last year."
He further emphasized, "These additional 100 Airbus aircraft will position Air India for substantial growth and support our mission to transform Air India into a world-class airline that connects India to every part of the globe."
Guillaume Faury, the CEO of Airbus, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the recent developments in the Indian aviation industry, stating that he is pleased to see Air India reaffirm its confidence in Airbus with an additional order for both the A320 Family and A350 aircraft.
He further emphasized the importance of their ongoing collaboration, stating their commitment to supporting Air India's "Vihaan.AI" transformation initiative under the leadership of Tata.
With the latest order for 100 aircraft, Air India now has a total of 344 new Airbus aircraft on the way, having already received six A350s. In 2023, Air India also placed orders for 220 aircraft, both widebody and narrowbody, with Boeing, of which 185 are yet to be delivered.
Air India is the pioneer among Indian airlines to operate the Airbus A350, which is equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. This aircraft is known for its outstanding fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and long-range capabilities, providing travelers with a new flying experience on non-stop routes from Delhi to London and New York.
The A320 Family, powered by CFM LEAP 1-A engines, serves as the foundation of Air India's domestic and short-haul services, ensuring a world-class flying experience.
