Tata Group Air India, controlled by Air India, has ordered 85 more aircraft from Airbus, including 10 A350 aircraft, in view of its plans to expand operations. Sources gave this information. Of the 85 aircraft ordered from Airbus, 75 are narrow-body A320 series aircraft, while 10 are wide-body A350 aircraft, sources said on Thursday. There has been no comment from Air India and Airbus on this development. European aircraft manufacturer Airbus said on Wednesday that it has received orders for 667 aircraft till September this year. It had received one of these orders on September 5 for 85 aircraft but did not disclose the name of the airline.
Earlier order for 470 aircraft was given
According to sources, this order of 85 aircraft has been given to Boeing by Air India itself. Air India had placed orders for a total of 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing in February 2023. While placing an order for the purchase of 250 aircraft from Airbus, the airline had said that it would also have the option to buy more aircraft. Sources said Air India has exercised this option by ordering 85 more aircraft. Since taking control of Air India from the government in January 2022, the Tata Group has been engaged in efforts to expand and restructure its operations.
To be merged with Vistara
Tata Group’s airlines companies – Air India, Air India Express and Vistara – made continuous in-flight announcements on Thursday remembering Ratan Tata. For Ratan Tata, the aviation sector was particularly close to his heart. Ratan Tata, 86, who was also the honorary chairman of Tata Sons, breathed his last at Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai on Wednesday night. Ratan Tata’s demise comes at a time when the group is in the process of completing the integration of its airline business. The integration of Air India Express and AIX Connect was completed on 1 October, while Vistara’s merger with Air India is scheduled to take place on 12 November.
