In a significant milestone for the Tata-owned aviation group, Air India Express is set to welcome its first brand-new, line-fit Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft on Monday, December 29, in New Delhi. This delivery marks the first completely new aircraft built specifically for the airline since the Tata Group took over the carrier from the government in January 2022.
A Special Tribute in the Skies
The incoming aircraft, registered as VT-RNT, carries a special livery design that pays homage to Ratan Naval Tata, the esteemed former chairman of the Tata Group. This tribute was reported by Flight Radar and confirmed by PTI. The arrival of this plane signifies a departure from the airline's recent reliance on "white tail" aircraft—aircraft originally manufactured for other carriers but redirected to Air India Express due to global supply chain disruptions.
Accelerating Fleet Expansion Under Tata
This Boeing 737-8 MAX is a key part of the Air India group's ambitious and massive fleet renewal and expansion strategy. The parent company placed a historic order for 470 new aircraft in February 2023 and followed it up with an additional order for 100 planes in December 2024.
The growth at Air India Express has been particularly notable this year. The airline's Managing Director, Aloke Singh, recently informed staff that the carrier has crossed the significant milestone of operating a 100-aircraft fleet. In 2025 alone, the airline integrated 25 new planes into its operations.
The 2025 additions included a diverse mix of modern aircraft:
- 14 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft
- 4 Airbus A321 neo aircraft
- 4 Airbus A320 neo aircraft
- 3 Airbus A320 ceo (current engine option) aircraft
Building a Modern and Efficient Fleet
Beyond new deliveries, the airline has also been actively upgrading its existing fleet. It recently received its first retrofitted Boeing B737 MAX aircraft. Furthermore, it welcomed its first Airbus A321 neo, which was part of a batch of 16 A320 family aircraft transferred from its sister airline, Air India.
The delivery of the first purpose-built Boeing 737 MAX for Air India Express is more than just a new plane; it symbolizes the tangible progress of the Tata Group's vision to revitalize the airline. It represents a shift from making do with available aircraft to proactively building a modern, fuel-efficient, and customer-focused fleet tailored for the future of Indian aviation.
