Tata Group-owned Air India is reportedly in advanced discussions with US-based Boeing and France’s Airbus to procure an additional 200 narrow-body aircraft, further accelerating its post-privatisation overhaul. According to sources cited by Reuters, the total deal may span several aircraft categories and amount to hundreds of planes.

This potential order would come on top of Air India’s record-breaking order of 470 aircraft in 2023 and an additional 100 Airbus units in 2024. Though the precise number remains unconfirmed, a source indicated the provisional plan centres on 200 narrow-body jets—critical for Air India’s high-frequency domestic and regional operations.

All parties involved—Air India, Boeing, and Airbus—have declined to comment on the fresh order discussions.

The move reflects Air India’s ambition to modernise its ageing fleet and regain dominance in the fast-growing Indian aviation sector. The talks coincide with the World Air Transport Summit 2025, hosted by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), where Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed delegates on Sunday.

Meanwhile, India’s air travel demand continues to climb. Data from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) show domestic airlines carried 575.13 million passengers between January and April 2025—a 9.87 per cent increase over the same period last year.

This planned acquisition is seen as a critical step in reviving Air India’s global competitiveness following years of under-investment during its tenure as a state-owned entity. Supply chain constraints, however, remain a challenge, with both Boeing and Airbus currently facing delays in fulfilling aircraft deliveries.