In a deal worth 32 billion euros based on current catalogue prices, Air India is to buy 250 new aircraft from Airbus.
This is a “historic moment for India, for Air India and for Airbus,” according to the French plane-maker’s chief executive, Guillaume Faury.
The deal involves the purchase of 210 narrow-body A320neo jets and 40 long-haul A350 aircraft in an ambitious plan to boost Air India’s share of the domestic market, and rebrand several Indian airports as global travel hubs.
“We are going through a massive transformation,” said Air India chairman Natarajan Chandrasekaran, announcing the deal with French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in virtual attendance.
“One of the most important things is a modern fleet which can perform for all routes.”
“Today is a historic moment for India, for Air India and for Airbus,” said Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury.