Air India is in discussions with Boeing and Airbus for a potential multi-billion-dollar order of widebody jets, sources revealed, marking another step in the airline’s aggressive modernization under Tata Group ownership.
The deal, which could involve 30 to 40 aircraft—including Airbus A350s and Boeing 777Xs—might even exceed 50 jets, one source noted. However, the final details remain undecided.
“Things should become clearer closer to the Paris Air Show (in June),” a source said.
Neither Air India nor the aircraft manufacturers commented on the negotiations.
This move follows Air India’s massive 2023 order of 470 planes and an additional 100 Airbus jets last year, primarily narrowbody aircraft. The latest widebody acquisition would strengthen the carrier’s efforts to reclaim market share from global rivals.
Currently, Air India has 50 Airbus A350s, 10 Boeing 777Xs, and 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners on order. The potential new purchase comes as India’s international passenger traffic surges, which are projected to grow 15-20% this fiscal year, outpacing domestic travel growth, according to ICRA.
With demand rising, airlines worldwide are scrambling for limited production slots for widebody jets, especially after a rush on single-aisle aircraft from rapidly expanding carriers like IndiGo.
Air India’s transformation under Tata is being closely watched, but supply chain constraints continue to hinder progress. CEO Campbell Wilson recently warned that global aircraft shortages will persist for at least four years due to the limited availability of engines, premium cabin seats, and fuselage components.
These delays have forced Air India to extend its five-year turnaround plan while keeping older aircraft in service. Meanwhile, the airline strives to win back travelers from competitors like Emirates, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines, which have long dominated India’s international routes with newer fleets and superior onboard products.