Air India, which is owned by the Tata Group, has announced that it will place an order for 250 Airbus aircraft to expand its domestic and international operations. The commitment includes 140 A320neo single-aisle aircraft, 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft, 34 A350-1000 wide-body jets, and six A350-900 wide-body jets. These aircraft will usher in a new era for the nation as the brand-new, long-range aircraft make their debut in the Indian market.
The order aims to modernize and expand the airline’s fleet in order to create a larger, more luxurious full-service carrier that can meet the growing demand for travel in the region. By the end of 2023, the first A350-900 is expected to begin deliveries.
Air India has partnered with Airbus for a long time, and these new aircraft will be crucial to the delivery of Vihaan. According to Campbell Wilson, Air India’s CEO and MD, AI is the company’s comprehensive strategy for transformation and expansion. Campbell Wilson added that the significant expansion of their domestic and international network, in addition to the advancement of their on-ground and on-board products to world-class standards, is an essential component of this transformation. Both Airbus and Air India begin a new chapter with this order.
For both Air India and Airbus, this is a turning point in history, said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. They are honored that their partnership with the Tatas and our aircraft solutions will write that new chapter for the country’s air-connectivity. India is on the verge of a revolution in international air travel.
Christian Scherer asserts that the A350’s one-of-a-kind capability will unlock the untapped potential of India’s long-haul market. Additionally, the aircraft’s technology, extended range, and unparalleled comfort will enable new passenger experiences and routes with improved economics and sustainability. The A320 Family fleets, along with the A350s, will continue to be the effective and adaptable asset necessary to democratize and decarbonize domestic, regional, and international air travel in the nation.
Christian Scherer went on to say that they applauded Air India for its imaginative strategy, which included selecting the two reference aircraft types for each category. They are overjoyed and humbled by the development of these aircraft into the pillars of Air India’s revival. The airline will be able to compete with the best around the world thanks to this fleet.
India will have the world’s largest population over the next ten years, the fastest economic growth among the G20 nations, and a growing middle class that will spend more on air travel. As a result, passenger traffic in India will rise quickly, especially in the long-haul markets in the United States, Europe, and Asia-Pacific that the A350 is well-suited to serve.
