Air India adds another 100 aircraft to its Airbus order
December 9, 2024
Air India has announced a significant expansion of its Airbus order, adding 100 more narrow- and wide-body aircraft to its existing backlog.
The new agreement includes 10 A350s and 90 A320 family aircraft, bringing the total number of Airbus aircraft on order to 344.
This move follows Air India’s historic order in 2023 for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. Of the orders for 220 wide-body and narrow-body aircraft with Boeing, 185 aircraft remain to be delivered.
The airline, which has already received six A350s, is the first in India to operate the advanced twin-aisle aircraft.
Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, said: “Having personally witnessed the formidable growth of the Indian aviation sector in recent months, I am glad to see Air India renew its trust in Airbus with this additional order for both our A320 Family and A350 aircraft.
“Through this continued partnership, we are committed to supporting the success of Air India’s ‘Vihaan.AI’ transformation plan under Tata’s vision and leadership.”
Powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines, the A350 offers improved fuel efficiency, extended range, and enhanced passenger comfort versus previous generation aircraft. They are set to bolster Air India’s long-haul routes, including non-stop services from Delhi to London and New York.
The A320 Family, powered by CFM LEAP 1-A engines, remains central to Air India’s domestic and short-haul operations, offering both operational efficiency and an elevated flying experience.
Additionally, Air India has partnered with Airbus’ Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) for maintenance support, ensuring optimal performance and reliability for its growing fleet of A350s.
Natarajan Chandrasekaran, chairman, Tata Sons and Air India, said: “With India’s passenger growth outpacing the rest of the world, its significantly improving infrastructure and an aspirational young population increasingly going global, we see a clear case for Air India to expand its future fleet beyond the firm orders of the 470 aircraft placed last year.
“These additional 100 Airbus aircraft will help to position Air India on the path to greater growth and contribute to our mission of building Air India into a world-class airline that connects India to every corner of the world.”
