Air India, now under the ownership of the Tata Group, officially confirmed an order for an additional 100 Airbus aircraft, further solidifying its fleet expansion plans. This new acquisition includes 10 widebody A350s and 90 narrowbody A320 family jets, adding to the airline's ambitious growth strategy. This order follows a significant Airbus purchase in 2023, where Air India committed to 250 jets, including both A320neo and A350 models, marking one of the largest single orders in aviation history. The latest addition now brings the total number of Airbus aircraft on order to 350, showcasing Air India's intent to modernize and expand its fleet amidst a rebounding aviation sector.
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The widebody A350s will bolster Air India's long-haul capabilities, offering enhanced passenger comfort and operational efficiency on routes to North America, Europe, and Asia. These aircraft are known for their fuel efficiency and reduced environmental impact, aligning with Air India's sustainability goals. The A350s will feature a three-class configuration, with business class offering lie-flat beds, premium economy, and economy class, all aimed at providing a premium travel experience. The narrowbody A320 family aircraft, which includes the A320neo and A321neo, are set to enhance Air India's domestic and short-haul international network. These aircraft are celebrated for their cost-effectiveness, lower emissions, and noise reduction, making them ideal for high-frequency routes within India and to nearby countries.
Air India's Chairman, Natarajan Chandrasekaran, stated that this new order reflects the airline's vision to connect India to every corner of the world. "These additional aircraft will not only help in expanding our network but will also aid in improving our service quality, ensuring that we meet the growing demand for air travel," he commented. The agreement with Airbus also includes maintenance and digital services packages to drive the airline's transformation and growth strategy. This partnership is expected to involve extensive collaboration in training, maintenance, and technology to ensure that Air India can efficiently manage its expanded fleet.
The financial specifics of this latest deal were not disclosed, but it's part of a broader investment by Tata Group to revitalize Air India. Since taking over in 2022, Tata has been focused on fleet renewal, customer service enhancements, and operational efficiency, aiming to restore Air India's status as a leading global airline. This move by Air India is part of a larger trend where airlines are investing heavily in fleet upgrades to capitalize on the recovery in air travel demand. It also signals confidence in the long-term growth of the aviation market in India, which is projected to become one of the largest in the world in terms of passenger numbers in the coming decades.