Air India has announced a commitment to order up to 250 Airbus Aircraft to expand their domestic and international operations. The order commitment includes 140 A320neos and 70 A321neos, plus 34 A350-1000s and six A350-900s.
On Tuesday (February 14, 2023), Airbus announced that Air India has committed to ordering up to 250 Airbus aircraft, including 140 A320neos and 70 A321neos, along with 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900s. The all-new long range A350-900 widebody will mark a new era for India as it makes its debut in the Indian market. The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft in the world in the 300-410 seat category. The airplane’s clean-sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics, delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. With new generation engines and the use of lightweight materials, the airplane delivers a 25 percent reduction in fuel burn, operating costs, and CO2 emissions, compared to previous generation aircraft. The A350-900 offers a three-class configuration cabin that is the quietest of any twin-aisle aircraft, along with the most modern inflight products for a comfortable long-range flying experience.
In Tuesday’s announcement, Air India’s Managing Director and CEO, Campbell Wilson, said,
“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. 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.”
Also commenting on the substantial aircraft order commitment, Airbus’ Chief Commercial Officer and Head of Airbus International, Christian Scherer, said,
“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. 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 democratizing and decarbonizing air travel in the country – from domestic, regional, up to international levels.
“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.”
The Airbus A321neo is the longest fuselage member of the best-selling single-aisle Airbus A320 Family. The aircraft can comfortably seat between 180 and 220 passengers in a typical two-class layout, and up to 244 in a high-density format. The A320neo can accommodate from 140 to 170 passengers in standard layouts, and up to 180 travelers in a higher-density configuration. Compared to previous generation aircraft, the A320neo delivers a fuel burn CO2 reduction of at least 20 percent, as well as a 50 percent smaller noise footprint versus previous generation aircraft.
Source: Airbus