Air India is looking to increase its order for wide-body aircraft as it seeks to expand international passenger traffic, CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said at the Aviation India event in New Delhi on 3 November. He did not specify the number or models under consideration, or give a timetable for a potential order. The airline is also working to return to profitability, which Gebremariam expects “very soon”.
An industry source cited by Reuters said Air India had held talks with Airbus and Boeing as it weighs the cost of operating older wide-bodies. The source said newer aircraft could improve efficiency and help the carrier connect more cities. Neither manufacturer discussion nor a specific fleet decision has been confirmed by the airline.
Air India has pursued fleet renewal, cabin upgrades and network expansion since returning to Tata Group ownership in 2022. Its turnaround is taking place amid high operating costs, losses and disruption to long-haul operations, including restrictions on the use of Pakistani airspace. More wide-body capacity would support the airline’s plans to grow overseas services and attract international connecting traffic, while adding to the investment and operating costs it must manage.