Air India Confirms Purchase of 470 Jets From Airbus And Boeing

Air India has confirmed its order for 470 massive jets, totaling an astounding $70 billion at list prices, from top aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing. This historic agreement is a big step forward for Air India as it seeks to improve its fleet and increase operations. At the Paris Airshow, the Tata-owned airline inked separate purchase agreements for the jets and some services with the two aircraft manufacturers.

The order for aircraft includes 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body aircraft in addition to 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft. In order to purchase these aircraft, the airline has signed a Letter of Intent in February 2023.

Airbus subsidiary Satair and Boeing Global Services will provide Air India with a wide range of solutions, including parts and maintenance provisioning, digital applications, and modification services.

Later this year, the Airbus A350 will take the lead in delivering the new aircraft, with the majority of the order beginning to arrive in mid-2025.

To speed up its fleet and network expansion, Air India has already begun taking possession of 25 leased A320 and 11 leased B777 aircraft.

"We are excited to be a key partner in the reinvention of the Flying Maharaja. Under the leadership of the Tata Group and a focussed 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. The Airbus services package is a perfect future-oriented choice that will form a core element of Air India's transformation," said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.