A total of 470 units – Air India provides the largest aircraft order

250 aircraft alone are said to come from Airbus – most for short-haul routes, but also for long-haul aircraft, which the company says are used for “ultra-long routes around the world”. The order also includes six Airbus A350s that were originally intended for a Russian airline but were not delivered due to sanctions.

production follows
It will be some time before the planes actually arrive. Air India will receive the first aircraft at the end of this year, says Christian Scherer of Airbus. In the future, Airbus and the Tata Group, to which Air India belongs, are also planning their own aircraft production. However, the aircraft manufacturer has so far turned down an assembly plant.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the order shows the “achievements and aspirations of the civil aviation sector” in the country. US President Joe Biden spoke of a “historic” deal. With this statement he was referring to the fact that the airline has set a new record with its order. Ten years ago, American Airlines was just under with 460 new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing.

Billions in double digits
The company will likely spend tens of billions on the new plane. In the past, the airline was known for its lavishly decorated aircraft and service. However, the company has been in financial difficulties since the mid-2000s. As part of the Tata group and with a new boss (Campell Wilson, Am.), the new start is now being ventured.