Indian Airline to Add Aircraft Every Week in 2026 Amid Record Expansion

India – Air India will begin inducting a new wide-body aircraft every six weeks in 2026, continuing through 2027, as part of an aggressive fleet modernization program that will transform the airline into a fully modern, international carrier by 2028, according to CEO Campbell Wilson.

• Speaking at the Aviation India Summit, Wilson confirmed that the wide-body ramp-up will begin with the arrival of the first Boeing 787-9 in December 2025, followed by a steady stream of new deliveries in 2026—averaging one aircraft every six weeks.

• The deliveries will primarily comprise Boeing 787-9s and two Airbus A350-1000s, forming part of Air India’s landmark 570-aircraft order placed with Boeing and Airbus in 2023.

• To date, six A350s have already joined the fleet, and the airline has taken delivery of 57 new aircraft across the Air India Group, including Air India Express.

• When combined with narrow-body deliveries, the airline will add an aircraft approximately every six to seven days, representing one of the most ambitious fleet growth schedules in the global aviation industry.

• The expansion supports Air India’s dual goals: strengthening its international network and transforming Air India Express into a major low-cost operator with a fleet exceeding 200 aircraft in the next five years.

• Air India Express Managing Director Aloke Singh said the carrier’s domestic capacity will grow faster than short-haul international operations, shifting from a 50:50 capacity balance to 60% domestic over the coming years.

• Air India Express will induct 20-24 aircraft next year according to Mr Singh.

Source: Air India & Air India Express