Air India is apparently poised for a significant expansion of its wide-body aircraft fleet. According to industry sources, the airline is in talks with aircraft manufacturers Airbus and Boeing about ordering 30 to 40 wide-body aircraft, with the total number potentially exceeding 50. The order is expected to be split between the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 777X and could be officially announced during the Paris Air Show in June of this year.
This planned order follows a large order for 2023 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing placed in 470, with a focus on narrow-body aircraft. With the new order for wide-body aircraft, Air India aims to accelerate its modernization plans and regain market share lost to international competitors in the past. The fleet expansion is expected to enable the airline to meet rising demand in international passenger traffic, which is expected to grow by 15 to 20 percent in the current fiscal year.
Despite these ambitious plans, Air India faces challenges. Delivery delays and supply chain issues are hampering the airline's transformation. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson recently stated that the global aircraft shortage is expected to last at least four years. These delays are forcing the airline to continue using some older aircraft and adjust its five-year transformation plans.
Competition in the Indian aviation market
The Indian aviation market is currently experiencing intense competition, particularly in the long-haul international segment. IndiGo, India's largest airline, placed its first wide-body order in April 2024, ordering 30 Airbus A350-900s, with options for an additional 70 aircraft. Delivery of the first A350-900 to IndiGo is expected in 2027.
With this order, IndiGo plans to expand its international presence and enter new long-haul destinations. This strategic decision marks a significant shift for the airline, which has previously relied primarily on narrow-body aircraft.
Recent developments in the Indian aviation market reflect the growth potential and increasing importance of international air travel. The decisions by Air India and IndiGo to expand their fleets with modern wide-body aircraft underscore their commitment to meeting growing demands and competing internationally. It remains to be seen how these investments will impact the market share and positioning of Indian airlines in global air travel.
and 