In a significant move to bolster its fleet renewal and regional growth strategy, Indian carrier Air India announced on Thursday that it has placed an order for an additional 30 Boeing single-aisle 737 aircraft. The order, comprising 20 737-8 and 10 737-10 jets, was unveiled at the Wings India 2026 event in Hyderabad, marking a key step in the Tata Group-owned airline's ambitious expansion plans.
Expanding Boeing Partnership
This latest order adds to the 220 Boeing aircraft that Air India ordered in 2023, taking the airline's total Boeing orders to an impressive 250 aircraft. The single-aisle planes, powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, are designed to enhance operational efficiency and support the carrier's broader fleet strategy. Air India CEO and managing director Campbell Wilson exchanged the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the presence of Union civil aviation minister K Ram Mohan Naidu, underscoring the strategic importance of this development.
Fleet Strategy and Deliveries
Wilson emphasized that the additional 737s will play a crucial role in positioning Air India as a world-class global carrier. With steady deliveries and planned upgrades over the next few years, this order supports the airline's goal of expanding its regional and domestic operations. Air India revealed that it is now awaiting delivery of 198 new Boeing aircraft, having already received 52 aircraft from its 2023 order. These deliveries include 51 737-8 jets, which are currently operating with its value carrier subsidiary, Air India Express, and one new 787-9 aircraft scheduled to enter commercial service on the Mumbai–Frankfurt route from February 1, 2026.
Enhancing Maintenance and Support
Alongside the aircraft order, Air India signed a multi-year agreement with Boeing Global Services for the Component Services Program. This program covers the airline's entire Boeing 787 fleet, including both in-service aircraft and those on order. It features component pooling, repair and overhaul through Boeing-approved facilities, and global logistics support, all aimed at improving parts availability, reducing downtime, and enhancing cost predictability.
Air India highlighted that dependable component support is essential as it scales up long-haul operations. This includes additional 787-9 inductions in 2026 and cabin retrofits of 26 legacy 787-8 aircraft, ensuring that the airline maintains high operational standards during its growth phase.
Airbus Agreement and Future Plans
In another strategic move, Air India signed an MoU with Airbus to convert 15 A321neo orders to the longer-range A321XLR variant. Deliveries of these aircraft are expected in 2029 and 2030. The airline noted that the XLR's extended range will enable it to open new non-stop international routes and optimize medium-haul services with the economic advantages of single-aisle aircraft.
Post-Privatization Growth
Since its privatization in January 2022, Air India has added nearly 170 aircraft through a combination of deliveries, leases, the merger with Vistara, and reactivations. This rapid expansion reflects the Tata Group's commitment to transforming Air India into a leading global airline, with a focus on modernizing its fleet and enhancing service quality.
The announcements at Wings India 2026 demonstrate Air India's proactive approach to fleet management and operational excellence, setting the stage for increased competitiveness in the international aviation market.
