Air India plans to induct more than 100 aircraft over the next two years as it continues a broad fleet and network expansion under chief executive Campbell Wilson. At the same time, Akasa Air has agreed a sale-and-leaseback deal with Avolon for up to seven Boeing 737-8200 aircraft, adding narrowbody capacity while freeing capital for growth.
Air India Group currently operates nearly 300 aircraft, and the latest induction target includes a wider programme to strengthen the carrier’s long-haul and narrowbody operation. Wilson also outlined plans to retrofit 16 Boeing 787-8 aircraft in 2027, underscoring the airline’s push to modernise its existing widebody fleet while continuing to add new jets.
For Akasa, the transaction is its third with Avolon and is set to support continued fleet and network development in India’s fast-growing domestic market. The Boeing 737-8200, the highest-capacity variant of the 737 MAX family, remains central to the airline’s expansion strategy as Indian carriers keep ordering and financing aircraft despite tight supply and ongoing profitability pressure.