Air India Eyes New Narrow-Body Jets
Air India, owned by the Tata Group, is currently in talks with Airbus and Boeing to place a significant order for new aircraft, which may include approximately 200 additional single-aisle jets. This deal would complement the airline’s substantial order made in 2023 as it speeds up its multi-billion-dollar modernization initiative.
Sources indicate that discussions could involve hundreds of aircraft, ranging in size. Additionally, they mentioned plans to acquire more wide-body aircraft.
News of a potential new order emerged as global aviation executives convened in India, the fastest-growing air travel market in the world, for an industry summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address the summit on Monday. In 2023, Air India made a record-breaking order for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, followed by an additional deal for 100 jets with Airbus last year.
The consecutive orders arise as aircraft manufacturers struggle with widespread supply chain issues, resulting in delivery delays and a potential shortage of available jets.
Expanding its fleet is essential for Air India. The airline has faced years of underinvestment during government ownership and is now undertaking an aggressive overhaul to reclaim market share lost to Gulf and Southeast Asian carriers.
While the final number of jets in the new order is yet to be confirmed, two sources estimated the narrow-body portion alone could involve around 200 aircraft. These jets form the backbone of most commercial airline fleets worldwide.
Air India currently operates 198 aircraft, including 70 from the now-merged Vistara. Its low-cost arm, Air India Express, has a fleet of 103 aircraft, including 38 new Boeing jets from an October 2023 order. Nine more will be inducted by June 2025.
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