THE MEGA AVIATION DEAL OF INDIA

Over the next two decades, South Asia is expected to more than triple its in-service fleet from 700 to 2,300 airplanes to meet passenger demand. A comprehensive set of aviation services will also enable Air India and IndiGo to sustainably expand its operations across the world and make an impeccable mark in rapidly growing aviation market. This feature highlights how the aircraft orders by two Indian carriers, once LCC and the other one as FSC gearing up to rule the sky in a big way

- Vishal Kashyap

The big number of orders by Indian carriers at Paris Air show shows the progressive outreach of the nation towards establishing it's prowess in the global aviation sector. The world is trusting India and global OEMS understands the value of such high demands.

At the recently held 54th edition of Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, Indian aviation rocked with mega deals of aircraft orders. The world is still recovering from the severe impact of pandemic but Indian carrier showed a bolstering move and took a leap ahead in placing huge number of aircraft order in all the verticals. The world is awestruck with such big numbers of aircrafts orders by mainly two main operators, IndiGo and Air India.

In February 2023, after being taken over by the TATAS, Air India announced the signing of 'Letter of Interest' with Airbus and Boeing to purchase mixed fleet of 470 aircrafts. At the Paris Air show, the Lol was converted into confirmed order with ceremony to celebrate the historic purchase.

With Boeing, Air India has finalised up to 290 new planes and expanded services, which includes 190 Boeing 737 MAXS, 20 Boeing 737 MAXS, 20 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 10 Boeing 777X jets with options for 50 additional 737 MAXs and 20 Dreamliners. This is Boeing's largest order in South Asia and highlights its 90-year partnership with Air India.

With Airbus, the order stands at 250 aircraft, which comprises 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets. It also selected an Airbus maintenance and digital package to power the airline's transformation and growth strategy.