Tata Group-owned airline Air India has sealed a $70bn order for nearly 500 aircraft to boost its domestic and international operations.
The company ordered 250 aircraft from France’s Airbus and 220 from US aerospace firm Boeing.
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Under the deal with Airbus, the carrier will acquire 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft, as well as 34 A350-1000 jets.
The airline also plans to procure six A350-900 wide-body jets from Airbus.
Deliveries are expected to start later this year, with the A350-900.
Airbus International head and chief commercial officer Christian Scherer said: “This is a historic moment for Airbus and for Air India. India is on the verge of an international air travel revolution and we are honoured that our partnership with the Tatas and our aircraft solutions will write that new chapter for the country’s air connectivity.
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By GlobalData“The A350’s unique capability will unlock the pent-up potential of India’s long-haul market, its technology, long reach and second-to-none comfort will enable new routes and passenger experience with better economics and enhanced sustainability.
“Alongside the A350s, the A320 family fleets will be the efficient, versatile asset to continue democratising and decarbonising air travel in the country – from domestic, regional, up to international levels.”
Air India will purchase 190 of Boeing‘s 737 MAX aircraft, as well as 20 787 Dreamliners and ten 777X aircraft.
The agreement between Air India and Boeing also includes options for 50 additional 737 MAXs and 20 787-9s aircraft.
Once the deals are finalised, it would be Boeing’s largest order in South Asia.
Air India managing director and CEO Campbell Wilson said: “This acquisition of nearly 300, highly advanced Boeing jets is a core element of Vihaan.AI, the comprehensive transformation and growth strategy we are pursuing at Air India
“These new airplanes will enable us to dramatically expand our network, both domestically and internationally, and will come with a completely new, world-class onboard product enabling passengers to travel in the highest levels of comfort and safety.”
