Air India is reportedly in advanced negotiations with aircraft manufacturing giants Boeing and Airbus for a major new order of widebody jets, signaling an aggressive push to expand its long-haul capabilities and strengthen its global presence under Tata Group ownership. According to sources cited by Reuters, the airline is eyeing between 30 and 40 widebody aircraft, including the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X models — with some insiders suggesting the final deal could exceed 50 jets. Though discussions are still ongoing, a clearer picture is expected to emerge closer to the Paris Air Show in June, where many major aviation deals are typically finalized.
If confirmed, this order would build on Air India’s record-breaking 2023 deal to acquire 470 aircraft from both manufacturers, along with an additional 100 Airbus planes secured last year — a majority of which were narrowbody jets. The shift towards widebody planes signals a strategic pivot, positioning the airline to dominate long-haul routes, where it faces intense competition from global heavyweights like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, and Turkish Airlines.
The timing of this expansion aligns with a surge in international travel demand from India. Ratings agency ICRA projects a 15-20% rise in outbound international passenger traffic for the current financial year, compared to a more modest 7-10% growth in domestic travel. This growth is driven by a combination of factors, including rising disposable incomes, increased business travel, and the Indian diaspora’s growing need for reliable, affordable connections to Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region. To capitalize on this opportunity, Air India aims to secure a larger market share by offering more direct flights and improving passenger experience with state-of-the-art aircraft.
However, securing early delivery slots is emerging as a significant challenge. With global air travel rebounding, aircraft production has struggled to keep pace with demand. Major airlines worldwide — including India’s largest carrier, IndiGo — have placed massive orders, particularly for narrowbody jets, creating a bottleneck for manufacturers. Supply chain disruptions have only made matters worse, with shortages of critical components like engines, fuselage materials, and high-end cabin interiors delaying production.
Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, acknowledged these challenges, stating that global supply chain issues are likely to persist for another four years. This has forced the airline to temporarily rely on older aircraft to maintain capacity — a setback to Tata Group’s ambitious five-year turnaround plan. The strategy includes fleet modernization, improved operational efficiency, better on-time performance, and a complete overhaul of the airline’s brand and customer experience.
The airline's modernization push isn’t just about fleet size; it’s about reclaiming market share lost to international giants. Indian carriers currently hold only about 43-44% of the country’s outbound international passenger traffic, with foreign airlines continuing to dominate, according to ICRA. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Turkish Airlines have successfully attracted Indian travelers with newer aircraft, better service, and convenient connections via their hub airports. Air India’s response involves offering a compelling alternative: more direct routes, upgraded cabins, and competitive pricing.
To support its immediate growth plans, Air India — along with its low-cost subsidiary Air India Express — is expected to receive around 20 new aircraft this year, including both narrowbody and widebody models. These deliveries will help fuel the airline’s network expansion, particularly to high-demand destinations in North America, Europe, and key Asian cities.
The Tata Group’s long-term vision for Air India involves transforming the airline into a world-class global competitor. This includes merging Air India with Vistara, its joint venture with Singapore Airlines, to create a stronger, unified premium full-service carrier. The merged entity is expected to combine Air India’s international reach with Vistara’s reputation for high-quality service, providing a more compelling offering for both business and leisure travelers.
In addition to fleet upgrades, Air India is investing heavily in enhancing the passenger experience. This includes modernizing cabin interiors, introducing next-generation in-flight entertainment systems, upgrading business-class offerings, and improving overall reliability. The airline is also exploring partnerships with major global alliances, which could further expand its network reach and connectivity options for passengers.
The widebody order talks reflect Air India’s ambition to become not just a leader in the Indian market but a serious contender on the global stage. With Tata Group’s backing and a renewed focus on excellence, the airline is positioning itself to challenge the dominance of Gulf carriers and European airlines on key international routes.
Would you like me to keep an eye on the developments, especially around the Paris Air Show, or dive into Air India’s competitive strategies against rivals like Emirates and Singapore Airlines?
