Boeing received its first order of the Paris Air Show on Day Two, which has been active for both Airbus and Boeing. Air India signed purchase agreements with both Airbus and Boeing today after announcing its aim to order 470 aircraft from each company in February.
Arrangement completed
Air India announced 470 aircraft, split between Airbus and Boeing, in a then-record-breaking aircraft acquisition four months ago. While purchase agreements were inked today at the Paris Air Show, the airline had already indicated its intention to purchase the aircraft in agreements with the manufacturers. Both narrowbodies and widebodies are part of the contract, with Airbus winning out with 50 more aircraft than Boeing. By purchasing 190 aircraft from the next-generation narrowbody family, the Indian carrier has given Boeing a vote of confidence despite the company experiencing yet another production setback in April.
The order is divided between the -8 and -10 types, with the latter still requiring certification. 20 additional 787s were ordered by Air India, who also became the 11th customer for the 777-9 (777X), which is scheduled to be delivered in 2025.
“Air India’s future fleet will be sustainably powered in the world’s fastest growing commercial aviation market by the fuel-efficient mix of next-generation aircraft, including the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, and 777X.” – Stan Deal, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes
once again for Airbus
To forward its fleet renewal plan, Air India ordered 250 aircraft from Airbus. Despite the fact that the airline already has a fleet of 27 787s, it has decided to focus on the A350 family for fleet renewal, buying 34 of the bigger -1000 type and six of the smaller -900. In addition, Air India purchased 70 A321neos and 140 A320neos.
“We are thrilled to be a crucial collaborator in the Flying Maharaja’s makeover.
This is one of the most ambitious undertakings being undertaken by the aviation industry right now, led by the Tata Group and a newly focused management team. We take pride in the fact that the efficiency, comfort, and range capabilities provided by our newest generation of aircraft will aid in the process of Air India reclaiming its legitimate status as a premium carrier of the highest caliber worldwide. The main component of Air India’s transformation will be the Airbus services package, which is the ideal future-oriented decision. –Christian Scherer, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.
Between the two orders, the A350s will be the first to be delivered; Air India anticipates receiving the first one this year and the majority after mid-2025. The signings were attended by several Air India and Tata leaders, including Campbell Wilson, the CEO of Air India, N. Chandrasekaran, the Chairman of Tata Sons and the airline, and Nipun Agarwal, the Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer.
In Campbell Wilson’s words:
Within five years, Air India will fly the most cutting-edge and fuel-efficient aircraft across its route network thanks to an ambitious program for fleet renewal and expansion. We are honored to be cooperating with all of our partners in this effort to construct an international airline that reflects India’s increasing self-assurance abroad.
Following IndiGo’s 500-plane deal in Paris yesterday, two of the largest aircraft orders in history have been placed by Indian carriers, who serve one of the global markets that is expanding the fastest.
