A few months ago, Air India signed what was the most significant order in aviation history at the time. However, these were all Letters of Intent. Now, while the biggest order-rolling trophy has been handed over to IndiGo for now, these orders have been firmed up and finalised today at the Paris Airshow 2023.

Air India finalises orders with both Boeing and Airbus.

Air India today signed purchase agreements to acquire 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing, going one step further in its fleet expansion programme that it announced in February 2023. The purchase agreements were signed on the sidelines of the ongoing Paris Air Show.

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. There are also options for 50 737 MAXs and 20 787 Dreamliners.

Satair, an Airbus company, and Boeing Global Services will support Air India with various solutions, including parts and maintenance provisioning, digital applications, and modification services. Air India will be the launch customer for Airbus’ Skywise Core X3, the latest aviation analytics platform from the OEM.

The Airbus A350-900 will lead the new aircraft deliveries later this year, with the bulk of the order to arrive from mid-2025 onwards. The Air India order marks the entry into service of the A350 in India.

On this occasion, N Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, said,

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.

 Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, said

Our ambitious fleet renewal and expansion programme will see Air India operate the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft across our route network within five years. 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.

Christian Scherer, the Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus said,

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.

Stan Deal, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said,

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.

Bottomline

Air India has finally firmed up the orders with Airbus and Boeing that were announced in February 2023. With this move, the stage is set for the first A350-900 to enter service with Air India later this year. Not just that, the Boeing 737 MAX aircraft can also be now prepared for induction with Air India Express. A total of 470 jets will be bought by the Air India group in the coming years.

What do you make of the formalisation of the Air India order with Boeing and Airbus?

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