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Air India Says ‘We Will Get There’: Tata-Owned Airline Expects 60 New Aircraft Soon Despite Global Challenges
Air India Group plans to induct 50–60 new aircraft over the next 18 months as its transformation programme gathers pace, with fleet upgrades, network restoration, and customer experience remaining top priorities.
Dainik Diary – Authentic Daily News
Despite supply chain disruptions, geopolitical tensions, and delays in aircraft deliveries, the Air India Group says its ambitious transformation programme remains firmly on course.
Speaking during a panel discussion in Abu Dhabi, Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer of Air India and Chairman of Air India Express, expressed confidence that the airline is steadily progressing towards its long-term goals.
According to Aggarwal, the airline group expects to induct 50 to 60 new aircraft over the next 18 months, marking a significant milestone in its fleet expansion strategy.
Transformation Continues Despite ‘Black Swan’ Events
Since its acquisition by the Tata Group in January 2022, Air India has been undergoing one of the most ambitious transformation programmes in the aviation industry.
However, Aggarwal acknowledged that the journey has been far from smooth.
He said the airline has faced several unexpected “black swan” events, including:
- Global supply chain disruptions
- Airspace restrictions
- Volatility in fuel prices
- Geopolitical tensions
- Delays in aircraft deliveries
Despite these challenges, he maintained that the airline’s overall transformation roadmap remains on track.
“We are very optimistic. It may take a little longer, but we will get there,” Aggarwal said.
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Nearly 600 Aircraft Ordered
The Air India Group currently operates a combined fleet of more than 290 aircraft across Air India and Air India Express.
To modernise its operations, the airline has placed orders for nearly 600 new aircraft, making it one of the largest aircraft procurement programmes in aviation history.
While fewer than 10% of those aircraft have been delivered so far, deliveries are expected to accelerate from the end of this year.
Aggarwal said the airline expects a steady flow of aircraft over the next seven to eight years.
Each year, the group plans to receive:
- 10–15 wide-body aircraft
- 45–50 narrow-body aircraft
This will significantly strengthen both domestic and international operations.
Fleet Modernisation Moving Ahead
Modernising the fleet remains one of the airline’s biggest priorities.
According to Aggarwal:
The retrofit of Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.- Refurbishment of the Boeing 777 fleet will take slightly longer.
- Deliveries of the Boeing 737 MAX 8 continue as planned.
- Air India also expects to be among the first airlines to receive the Boeing 737 MAX 10, subject to regulatory certification.
The airline is also investing heavily in Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure to support its expanding fleet.
Network Returning to Normal
In recent months, Air India temporarily reduced some international services because of higher fuel costs and operational challenges arising from tensions in West Asia.
However, Aggarwal said the airline has already begun restoring most of those routes.
He noted that:
- Middle East operations have recovered to around 90% of previous levels.
- Flights to Europe and the United States that were temporarily suspended have largely returned for booking.
- The airline expects to return to its pre-conflict international schedule within the next few months.
Customer Experience Also in Focus
Beyond aircraft and infrastructure, Air India says improving passenger experience remains a major focus of its transformation.
The airline is investing in:
- New cabin crew service standards
- Improved airport operations
- Staff training and development
- Digital systems and operational processes
Aggarwal emphasised that modern aircraft alone cannot transform an airline unless supported by well-trained people and efficient systems.
He said Air India aims to deliver a safer, more reliable, and more consistent travel experience for customers across its network.
A New Chapter for Air India
Since returning to the Tata Group, Air India has embarked on an ambitious journey to rebuild its brand and strengthen its position in the global aviation market.
Although external challenges have slowed certain aspects of the transformation, the airline remains optimistic about the road ahead.
With dozens of new aircraft scheduled to join its fleet, network expansion underway, and customer experience initiatives gaining momentum, Air India believes its long-term vision is steadily becoming a reality.
