In 2023, Air India confirmed an order for 470 jets from Airbus and Boeing, which included 210 A320 family aircraft (comprising 140 A321neos and 70 A320s), as well as 20 A350-900s and 20 A350-1000s. Airbus has delivered six A350-900 aircraft, initially designated for Aeroflot, to Air India, along with the original product chosen. Air India is now set to receive 34 A350-900/1000 aircraft that are factory-fresh and customized to meet Air India’s specifications. At the time of the order, Air India was the first and only customer for the A350 widebody in India, although IndiGo has since placed its own order for A350 aircraft.
As part of its monthly report on orders and deliveries, Airbus announced on September 5, 2024, that a customer had ordered 85 aircraft. This order was labeled “undisclosed,” meaning the airline did not wish to reveal it due to ongoing internal processes or a desire for the right timing to disclose the information.
Bloomberg now reports that this “undisclosed” customer might be Air India. Although there is no official comment from either Airbus or Air India, the report is based on conversations with “people familiar with the situation.” According to Airbus’s disclosures, Air India’s new order comprises 55 A321neo aircraft, 20 A320neo aircraft, and five additional A350-900s and -1000s each. Reuters also suggests that Boeing may soon receive a supplementary order.
While this additional order may appear minor compared to the initial one, the airline is actively working to bolster its capacity following previous undercapacity issues. Air India currently operates a fleet of 140 aircraft, including 60 widebodies (777, 787, and A350s). In a month, it will integrate Vistara’s fleet of 70 aircraft, which includes 6 of its own 787-9s. The airline faces competition from IndiGo, which has more than 375 aircraft in its fleet (including those grounded due to engine problems) and 950 aircraft on order, including 30 A350-900 planes.
Interestingly, this update comes shortly after the news of Tata Group patriarch Ratan Tata’s passing. Typically, customers announce such news, so we may need to wait for the airline to officially confirm the order publicly.
In summary, Air India, which has 470 aircraft on order from Boeing and Airbus, is reportedly placing another order for 85 aircraft with Airbus, although this has yet to be officially confirmed. If verified, Airbus would supply Air India with an additional 75 narrowbody jets and 10 A350 widebody aircraft in the coming years.
Photo: Alexi Van Damme (AX Media Thailand)
