Air India places biggest order for Boeing & Airbus planes in history

Air India places biggest order for Boeing & Airbus planes in history | Secret Flying

Air India seals record order for almost 500 Airbus, Boeing jets.

 

Air India will purchase 470 planes from Airbus and Boeing under a historic pair of mega agreements announced Tuesday, transforming the former national carrier as it prepares for scorching growth.

 

The orders – beating the American Airlines’ 460-plane deal in 2011 – would modernise Air India’s fleet and help it to “dramatically” expand its network, Natarajan Chandrasekaran said, chairman of Tata group, which owns the airline.

 

Boeing’s order, which was announced by President Joe Biden after a call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was for 220 jet orders: 190 of Boeing 737 Max single-aisle planes, 20 of 787 Dreamliners widebodies and 10 of 777X, the newest version of its widebody now undergoing the certification process.

 

The Airbus order was for even more planes – 250 to be precise, including 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle planes, along with 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 widebodies.

 

The sheer size of the new orders indicates Air India’s desire to reclaim its pole position in the country’s crowded aviation market and acquire a strategic edge to service the world.

 

“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.”

 

Over the next decade, India will grow to have the largest population in the world, its economy will expand the fastest among the G20 nations, and a burgeoning middle class will spend more on air travel.

 

For years, Air India has been plagued by consumer grievances over ill-maintained cabins, dysfunctional entertainment systems and broken seats.

 

While customers will get an “upgraded experience” when the new fleet is brought in, a shortage of human resources and trained personnel may remain a issue.

 

In order to truly realise its potential and effectively run fifth-generation aircraft like the A350s, experts warn that the carrier will have to rapidly modernise its operations, including software systems, maintenance and human resource capabilities.