Air India to add six B777s, six A320s to its fleet

Dhaka: Air India has doubled down on its recent expansion plans, adding 12 more aircraft to its fleet. By the first half of 2023, the carrier plans to add six more Boeing 777-300ERs and six Airbus A320neos aircraft in addition to the 30 already planned for lease.

The addition highlights Air India's short-term plans for the domestic and international markets.

According to reports, Air India has secured 12 more jets for delivery in the next few months, six 777-300ERs and six A320neos, due by the first half of 2023.

The 777s will come in a four-class layout of first, business, premium economy, and economy, with premium economy a first for the airline. These planes will be headed long-haul, potentially to North America, and frees up the 787 for more medium-haul missions.

The six A320neos are almost certainly headed for domestic operations, where Air India has set itself the lofty goal of ruling 30 per cent of the market in five years.

This decision was made a bit easier by the decision to merge Vistara into the flag carrier, which will double its share of the national market, but still leave a lot of work to do.

On this note, Campbell Wilson, CMD, Air India, said, "Growing our network is an essential part of Air India’s Vihaan AI transformational journey and we remain committed to increasing connectivity and frequency of flights both domestically and internationally. These additional aircraft leases will support our near term growth even as we finalise plans to refresh and significantly grow our long-term fleet.”