Since the sale of the Air India airline to the Tata Group, the signs have been pointing to expansion. The carrier has ordered numerous new machines and is purchasing more from lessors. Aercap recently delivered its fourth jet while also announcing that it has signed a contract for four more Airbus A321neos.

“It is a very exciting time for Air India as it regains ownership of the Tata Group and converts its fleet to cater to the fast growing Indian aviation market. Aercap is pleased to play a role in Air India's fleet transition by providing the first tranche of Neo aircraft under the operating lease,” said Peter Anderson, Aecap's Chief Commercial Officer. "We wish Air India and Tata Group every success in restoring Air India as one of the world's leading airlines." These are brand-new aircraft that will be powered by CFM Leap-1A engines. According to Aercap, these will be the first A321neos to join Air India's fleet.

“These four new leased Airbus A321neo aircraft join our rapidly growing fleet and are part of the comprehensive restructuring Air India is currently undertaking. We look forward to continuing our very successful partnership with Aercap to make Air India one of the best airlines in the world,” said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India.