In a significant development, Air India has reportedly placed a new order for 85 Airbus Jets including 10 wide-body A350s and 75 narrow-body A320 family aircraft. This move is a part of Air Indias strategy to expand its operations and modernize its fleet.

In February 2023, India ordered for 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing. This massive purchase includes 250 Airbus jets and 220 Boeing jets. The Airbus order includes 140 A320 neos, 70 A321 neos, and six A350-900s and A350-1000s. The Boeing order includes 190 737 MAXs, 20 787-9s and 10 777-9s.

The deal aimed to enhance the Indian airline’s services and operational capabilities. The planes were worth $70 billion at list price. While confirming the deal, India got an offer to purchase rights for 370 more Airbus and Boeing planes to buy over the next decade.

This was the historic order for 470 aircrafts which had turned out even bigger at 840 planes with an option to receive 370 more planes.

Meanwhile, the sources confirmed that the offer has been exercised by India by placing an order for 85 more Airbus planes. While, Boeing, a major manufacturer in the United States, might have an option for Air India Group to buy more planes. But theres uncertainty about when Boeing will beable to deliver their B737 Max Planes.

Additionally, Airbus is a global aerospace company founded in 1970 in Europe. It is known for manufacturing innovative commercial aircrafts, military transport, satellites and launchers etc.

About Air India

Air India is the flag carrier airline of India. It is currently operated under the ownership of Air India Limited, a Tata Group company. It oversees Air India, Indian Airlines, and Alliance Air. Air India serves a diverse fleet of Airbus and Boeing planes, for domestic and international destinations.

Ownership

The airline was founded in 1932 by JRD Tata as Tata Airlines. It was renamed to Air India in 1946. The Airline was nationalized in 1953. In 2022, after a period of 69 years, it was reacquired by Tata Group from the Indian Government.

The Tata Group currently oversees four airlines, including Air India, Air India Express, AIX Connect (AirAsia India), and Vistara (51% shares).

Tata Group to merge Airlines

Recently, Tata Group has been working to merge these airlines into two main entities. It is intending to merge Air India with Vistara and Air India Express with AIX Connect. This is done to streamline operations and improve the efficiency of the airlines.