Air India Expands Fleet with 100 New Airbus Aircraft, Strengthening Global Reach

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] December 9 :  Air India has placed an order for 100 more Airbus aircraft, including 10 wide-body A350s and 90 narrow-body A320 family aircraft, including A321neos. This announcement is part of the airline's ongoing strategy to modernize and expand its fleet. The order brings the total number of Airbus aircraft ordered by Air India in 2023 to an impressive 350, marking a major milestone in the airline’s expansion plans. 

Major Order to Enhance Air India’s Fleet

The airline’s commitment to growth is aligned with India’s booming aviation sector, with passenger demand exceeding global averages. Air India’s Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, highlighted that the country’s improving infrastructure and youthful, globally aspirational population make it crucial for the airline to further enhance its fleet. The additional 100 Airbus aircraft will play a key role in helping Air India reach its goal of becoming a world-class airline connecting India to every corner of the globe.

Strategic Growth Amid Global Demand

The fleet expansion is driven by India’s surging passenger growth, which outpaces global trends. With its expanding infrastructure and growing global connectivity, Air India is poised to meet the rising demand for air travel. The new aircraft are expected to boost the airline’s capabilities, enabling it to cater to both domestic and international markets more efficiently.

Chandrasekaran emphasized that these additional aircraft, beyond the 470 planes ordered last year, will position Air India for greater growth. This strategic expansion will also help the airline enhance its competitive edge in the global aviation industry, fostering improved connectivity and greater passenger service.

A350 Fleet Maintenance Partnership

Along with the new aircraft order, Air India also announced a partnership with Airbus for maintenance support for its A350 fleet. The airline has chosen Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) to manage the maintenance needs of its growing fleet of A350s. This contract will optimize the reliability and performance of Air India’s A350 aircraft through comprehensive engineering services and integrated component services, including on-site stock at the airline's Delhi facility.

This partnership underscores Air India’s commitment to maintaining high operational standards and ensuring the best performance of its advanced fleet. The decision to work closely with Airbus for maintenance reflects the airline’s focus on efficiency and reliability, ensuring its fleet operates smoothly and consistently.

Airbus Expresses Confidence in Air India’s Growth

Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, expressed his confidence in Air India’s growth trajectory, noting the tremendous expansion of the Indian aviation sector in recent months. Faury praised the airline for renewing its trust in Airbus with this significant order, which spans both the A320 Family and A350 aircraft. He reaffirmed Airbus’s commitment to supporting Air India’s “Vihaan.AI” transformation plan, a strategic vision spearheaded by Tata Sons to modernize and globalize the airline.

Air India’s Global Expansion Plans

With this latest order, Air India continues to expand its fleet and position itself as a global player in the aviation sector. The airline has already received six A350 aircraft as part of its commitment to fleet modernization. Additionally, Air India has ordered 220 planes from Boeing, with 185 yet to be delivered, further reinforcing its strategy of fleet diversification.

As the airline continues to grow and modernize, it is set to play a pivotal role in connecting India with the world, offering enhanced services and more efficient operations. The latest Airbus order marks just one step in Air India’s broader mission to dominate global aviation.

 By Manasa Permulla