Air India has chosen Boeing’s family of fuel-efficient jets to expand their future sustainable growth with up to 290 Boeing airplanes. The carrier plans on adding 190 737 MAX Family plus 50 options, 20 787 Dreamliners plus 20 options, and 10 Boeing 777X aircraft.
On Tuesday (February 14, 2023), Boeing announced a major commercial order from Air India for up to 290 airplanes. The carrier plans to invest in their sustainable fleet expansion with an order for 190 737 MAX Family jets (737-8s and 737-10s), 20 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 Boeing 777X airplanes, along with a range or comprehensive aviation services. The agreement also includes options for 50 additional 737 MAXs and 20 787-9 Dreamliners. Once the deal is finalized, it will represent the largest Boeing order in South Asia, and a historic milestone in the aerospace company’s 90-year relationship with Air India.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, said,
“This acquisition of nearly 300, highly advanced Boeing jets is a core element of Vihaan.AI, the comprehensive transformation and growth strategy we are pursuing at Air India. These new airplanes will enable us to dramatically expand our network, both domestically and internationally, and will come with a completely new, world-class onboard product enabling passengers to travel in the highest levels of comfort and safety. With this order, we are delighted to take our long relationship with Boeing to a new level.”
Also commenting on the landmark order, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President and CEO, Stan Deal, said,
“Air India's selection of Boeing's family of passenger jets shows their confidence in our products and services in the world's fastest growing aviation market, and their decision will support engineering and manufacturing jobs at Boeing factories in Washington state, South Carolina and across our supply base. With the industry-leading fuel efficiency of the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner and 777X, Air India is well positioned to achieve its expansion plans and become a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.”
The Boeing 737 MAX Family airplanes will add flexibility across Air India’s domestic and international network, while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 20 percent versus the aircraft they will replace. The 737-8 offers seating for 162 to 210 passengers, depending on configuration, and with a range of 3,500 nautical miles, can be operated profitably on short and medium-haul routes. As the largest MAX Family member, the 737-10 offers the best per-seat economics of any single-aisle aircraft, with a passenger capacity of between 188 to 230 seats, and a range of 3,100 nautical miles.
Air India currently operates a fleet of 27 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners, and with today’s agreement, will add 20 of the larger Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner model, which offers increased capacity, greater range and 25 percent better fuel efficiency compared to previous generation airplanes. The flagship Boeing 777-9 is the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, and will be the largest airplane in Air India’s fleet. The aircraft will be able to offer direct service in enhanced comfort to nearly all long-haul destinations. With new custom architecture and innovations, the 777X features a spacious cabin, as well as new
breakthroughs in aerodynamics and engines, which combine to deliver a 10 percent reduction in fuel use and emissions, as well as 10 percent lower operating costs than the competition.
Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India has pioneered India’s aviation sector, with their first flight taking off on October 15, 1932. The carrier operates an extensive domestic network, and is also a major international airline, serving destinations across the U.S., Canada, the UK, Europe, the Far East, South East Asia, Australia and the Gulf. Air India is a member of the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline consortium. Following 69 years of Government ownership, Air India and Air India Express rejoined the Tata Group in January 2022.
Boeing (NYSE: BA) is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading supplier of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, as well as global services. The aerospace giant tops the list of the largest U.S. exporters, providing a significant positive impact to America’s annual GDP. Boeing supports government and commercial customers in over 150 countries and employs more than 160,000 team members worldwide. As Boeing continues to deliver for customers, they are committed to their legacy of aerospace leadership in technology and innovation and living the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.
Source: Boeing/PRNewswire