Story: Tata owned, Air India orders 250 Aircrafts; 19-03-2024;
• In February 2023, Tata Group, the new owner of Air India, announced a significant order for 250 aircraft from Airbus.
Air India seeks to modernize its fleet and expand its operations. This move came after Tata reacquired the legendary Indian national airline.
The news is significant as Manufacturer Airbus, has got 250 plane order by India, for the first time in history, in the propsed deal, 140 of small (narrowbody) A320neo are present. The A320neo is a popular airplane internationally. The airplane is siad to be used for domestic and short-haul international routes.
Apart from this 70 airplanes are A321neo (narrowbody) for similar routes as A320neo.
Tata Air India planned 40 airplanes for long-haul international routes, which are called A350 widebody aircraft.
The current aircrafts serving in the Air Inida are aging and not fuel-efficient and technologically advanced, to modern standards.
The move would allow Tata Air India, to expand its network and to target wider range passengers.
The recent times have seen popularity of the Airbus grown significantly as compared to the Boing, the two are some of the largest airplane manufacturer worldwide.
The Air India was acquired again by Tata in 2022. Air India was first founded in 1932 by JRD Tata as Tata Airlines, making Tata a part of its early history.
However, in 1946, after India's independence, Tata Airlines was nationalized and became Air India.
Tata took the airline back with a bid of ₹18,000 crores.
“Airbus has been a longstanding partner of Air India, and these new aircraft will play an important part in delivering Vihaan.AI, Air India’s comprehensive transformation and growth strategy,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India.
“A core element of this transformation is the significant expansion of our network, both domestically and internationally, coupled with the elevation of our on-ground and onboard product to world-class standards. This order marks the start of a new chapter for both Airbus and Air India.”
“This is a historic moment for Airbus and for Air India. India is on the verge of an international air travel revolution and we are honoured that our partnership with the Tatas and our aircraft solutions will write that new chapter for the country’s air-connectivity,” says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.
“The A350’s unique capability will unlock the pent-up potential of India’s long-haul market, its technology, long reach and second to none comfort will enable new routes and passenger experience with better economics and enhanced sustainability. Alongside the A350s, the A320 Family fleets will be the efficient, versatile asset to continue democratising and decarbonising air travel in the country – from domestic, regional, up to international levels.”
Christian Scherer adds: “We salute Air India for its visionary strategy, picking the two reference aircraft types in each of their categories. We are thrilled and humbled to see these aircraft become the cornerstones of Air India’s renaissance. This fleet will propel the airline globally where it deserves to be - with the best.
Over the next decade, India has the largest population in the world, and the economy is growing, with this the air passenger traffic in India is expected to grow fast.
• Earlier reports of 500 planes acquisition was reported by one of the world's leading aircraft lessors.
“As a result of this recovery, there is now more momentum for large orders from airlines who have sort of sat back and watched the movie, and now they're seeing there's going to be a positive trend.” Steven Udvar-Hazy, executive chairman of AirLease Corp (AL.N), told the Airline Economics conference. Reported by Reuters .
“We have this 500-aircraft order coming out of India, which is going to be about 400 narrow-body aircraft, probably a mix of (Airbus) A320neos, A321neos and (Boeing) 737 MAXs, and 100 wide-bodies which will include (Boeing) 787s, 777X, potentially some 777 freighters and (Airbus) A350s.”
Steven Udvar-Hazy also said back then, “We do expect a number of airlines will place large orders, and again most of these orders will be for replacement.”
Industry sources say finalising the proposed deal depends on ongoing negotiations with engine makers.