Kolkata: The Tata Group-owned Air India has announced its commitment to order 250 Airbus aircraft to boost its domestic and international operations.
The commitment includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets that will mark a new era for the country as the all-new, long-range aircraft celebrates its debut in the Indian market, according to a media statement here on Tuesday.
The order aims to modernise and expand the airline’s fleet in order to create a larger and more premium full-service carrier to meet the region’s growing travel demand. Deliveries are set to commence, with the first A350-900 arriving by late 2023.
“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,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India.
“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 on-board products to world-class standards. This order marks the start of a new chapter for both Airbus and Air India.”
“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,” says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International.
“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 experiences with better economics and enhanced sustainability. Along with the A350s, the A320 Family fleets will be an efficient and versatile asset in continuing to democratise and decarbonize air travel in the country at all levels—domestic, regional, and international.
Christian Scherer adds: “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.
Over the next decade, India will grow to have the largest population in the world, its economy will expand the fastest among the G20 nations, and a burgeoning middle class will spend more on air travel. As a result, passenger traffic in India will grow fast, including on the long-range markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific that the A350 is well positioned to serve.
The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient wide-body aircraft in the 300–410 seat category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics, delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. When compared to previous-generation competitor aircraft, its new-generation engines and use of lightweight materials provide a 25% advantage in fuel burn, operating costs, and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.
The aircraft offers a 3-class configuration cabin that is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crew the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable long-range flying experience.
The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ best-selling, single-aisle A320 Family, comfortably seating 180 to 220 passengers in a typical two-class layout, and as many as 244 in a higher-density arrangement. The A320neo has already set the standard as the world’s most comfortable short-to-medium-haul aircraft that typically accommodates from 140 to 170 passengers, with a maximum capacity of up to 180 travellers. Its environmental performance allows for at least 20 per cent less fuel burn and CO2 emissions, as well as a 50 percent reduction in noise, compared to previous generation aircraft.
