Air India is reportedly in talks to order 150 737 MAX from Boeing, its largest order to date and in the last decade. The decision will see the flag carrier break from its Airbus-only narrowbody fleet and adopt the aircraft used by subsidiary Air India Express. While yet to be confirmed, Air India has long been considering a multi-billion order for over 350 aircraft.
Another Boeing win?
According to a report by the Economic Times, Air India is close to signing for 150 Boeing 737 MAXs, with 50 being a firm order and options for as many as 150 in total. The move would bring the total MAX operators in India to three, following SpiceJet and Akasa Air, and represent a blow for Airbus, which had long consolidated its narrowbody position in the country.
The decisive factor in Air India’s decision was the immidiate availability of 737 MAX aircraft. Indeed, Boeing promised the carrier immediate delivery of 50 white-tails orginally meant to go to China Southern. One source stated that deliveries could start as soon as March 2023, fueling Air India’s ambitions for a massive domestic and international expansion.
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An order for 50 firm jets and 100 options would be a massive change for Air India, which exclusively flies the A320 family for its narrowbody needs. While a deal is yet to be signed, the availability of immediate jets is some Airbus cannot offer, with the European giant only promising A320neo deliveries after 2025. With a pool of trained 737 pilots available at Air India Express, which only flies the 737-800, Air India could quickly kick off operations for the MAX with a hiring spree in the next few months.
Simple Flying has reached out to Air India and Boeing for statements and will update the article as and when they are received.
Hope not lost for Airbus
While the decision to add the MAX will affect Airbus’ overall dominance in India, the company is still in contention to secure part of Air India’s narrowbody order, estimated at 300 planes in total. Considering delivery dates could be two years out, Air India might choose to add the larger A321neo or A321XLR, increasing its range in the market and countering IndiGo’s long-haul expansion in the future.
Indeed, the A320 family is still the cornerstone of Air India’s fleet, with 68 currently in service and 31 more joining as a part of leasing deals signed this year. To ensure continuity and growth, an Airbus order is likely as well, although it might be outshadowed by Boeing’s.
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However, don’t forget about the widebody market. Airbus currently has no widebodies in India, a statistic it is pushing to change. With up to 70 widebodies up for grabs in Air India’s potential order, the European giant will be hoping that the A350 will make the cut as well. While Air India already flies the 787-8, 787-9 (from Vistara), and 777s, it requires a fleet of longer-range and new jets, which the A350 provides far before the 777X. For now, the battle for the new Air India’s chequebook is in full swing.
What do you think about Air India’s decision to order the 737 MAX? Let us know in the comments!
Source: The Economic Times
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Air India
- IATA/ICAO Code:
- AI/AIC
- Airline Type:
- Full Service Carrier
- Hub(s):
- Delhi Indira Gandhi International Airport
- Year Founded:
- 1946
- Alliance:
- Star Alliance
- CEO:
- Campbell Wilson
- Country:
- India
