India – Air India, the country’s flag carrier, has placed an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as part of its ongoing fleet expansion strategy. The deal includes 20 737-8s and 10 737-10s, supporting the airline’s focus on domestic and regional network growth amid surging air travel demand.

• The latest order expands Air India’s total Boeing backlog to nearly 200 aircraft, covering both single-aisle and widebody types.

• The order finalises 20 737-8 aircraft, while 10 737-10 units had previously appeared as unidentified on Boeing’s order book.

• Both orders were made by exercising existing options

• The 737-8s will be deployed on high-frequency, short-haul and regional routes, while the 737-10s will increase capacity and reduce seat cost for domestic operations.

• The fleet expansion comes as part of a broader post-privatisation transformation strategy, following Air India’s 2023 mega order of over 470 aircraft.

• Boeing forecasts demand for 3,300 new aircraft in India and South Asia over the next 20 years, with 90% expected to be single-aisle.

Statements

• “This additional order for 30 Boeing 737 aircraft is part of our broader fleet strategy to position Air India firmly for the future, as a world-class global carrier that India deserves and the world expects,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and Managing Director of Air India.

• “Air India’s order for more 737 MAX jets underscores the strong performance of their existing 737-8 fleet as they continue to expand connectivity across India and the South Asia region,” said Paul Righi, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing, Boeing Eurasia, India and South Asia.

Source: Boeing
Photo Credit: Boeing