Tata Grou-owned global airline brand Air India has signed purchase agreements to acquire 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing in an effort to further their fleet expansion program that the company initially announced in February of this year.
According to reports, Air India’s firm orders include 34 A350-1000, six A350-900, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 10 Boeing 777X widebody aircraft, as well as 140 Airbus A320neo, 70 Airbus A321neo and 190 Boeing 737MAX narrowbody aircraft.
“This landmark step further positions Air India for long-term growth and success that, we have every hope, will come together to represent the best of modern aviation to the world” N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India said of the new deal, per an official statement.
“Our ambitious fleet renewal and expansion program will see Air India operate the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft across our route network within five years” Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India stated. “We are proud to be working with all our partners in this journey to rebuild a global airline which reflects India taking a more confident posture around the world.”
“We are excited to be a key partner in the reinvention of the Flying Maharaja” Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus, said. “Under the leadership of the Tata Group and a focused new management, this is one of the most ambitious projects in the airline business today.
“We are proud that the efficiencies, comfort and range capability offered by our latest generation aircraft will contribute to the process, as Air India reclaims its rightful position as a world-class premium carrier.
It will be interesting to see how this deal impacts the future for travelers and even travel streamers as well as travel influencers who may be impacted.
“The Airbus services package is a perfect future-oriented choice that will form a core element of Air India’s transformation” Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes added.
“The fuel-efficient mix of next-generation airplanes including the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner and 777X will sustainably power Air India’s future fleet in the world’s fastest growing commercial aviation market.”
