Air India adds 30 Boeing aircraft to its firm orders

Air India has expanded its Boeing order book by adding 30 more aircraft—20 Boeing 737 MAX 8s and 10 Boeing 737 MAX 10s—bringing its total firm Boeing orders to 250. This announcement was made at Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad, underscoring the airline’s aggressive fleet modernization strategy.

Aircraft Types Ordered
- 20 Boeing 737 MAX 8
- 10 Boeing 737 MAX 10
- Both are single-aisle, fuel-efficient jets designed for domestic and regional routes.

Total Boeing Orders
- Air India had already placed 220 Boeing aircraft orders in 2023.
- With this addition, the total firm Boeing orders now stand at 250 aircraft.

Event Announcement
- Made during Wings India 2026 in Hyderabad.
- Present: Campbell Wilson (CEO & MD, Air India), Paul Righi (VP Commercial Sales & Marketing, Boeing Eurasia/India/South Asia), and India’s Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.

Strategic Context
- 2023: 470 aircraft - 220 with Boeing, rest with Airbus
- 2026: +30 aircraft - Boeing 20 MAX 8, 10 MAX 10
- Domestic Growth: The 737 MAX family is well-suited for India’s rapidly growing domestic market, offering lower operating costs and higher efficiency.
- Regional Expansion: MAX 10 provides more seating capacity, ideal for high-demand regional routes.
- Fleet Modernization: Air India is balancing orders between Boeing and Airbus, including converting 15 Airbus A321neo orders into A321XLRs for longer-range narrowbody operations.

Implications for Travelers & Market
- More Connectivity: Expect expanded domestic and short-haul international routes.
- Fuel Efficiency: Lower emissions and operating costs, aligning with sustainability goals.
- Competitive Edge: Strengthens Air India’s position against rivals like IndiGo and Akasa Air, especially in the single-aisle segment.