Air India plans to order 30-40 new widebody jets from Boeing, Airbus

Air India is in discussions to place a multi-billion dollar order for 30 to 40 widebody jets, potentially increasing to over 50, as part of its transformation under Tata Group ownership. The talks involve Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X models, and the final decision is expected to be clearer by the Paris Air Show in June. This new order follows Air India's significant 2023 acquisition of 470 aircraft, primarily narrowbody planes, and another 100 Airbus jets last year. The expansion comes amid a surge in international travel demand from India, projected to grow 15-20% in the current fiscal year. The airline's modernization efforts are being closely watched, though challenges such as aircraft delivery delays remain a concern. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson noted that global aircraft shortages will likely persist for at least four more years due to supply chain constraints.