In India, Air India is preparing to conclude the contract of the century: 500 planes, including 230 Airbus, to carve out a place for itself internationally, but also on the booming Indian domestic flight market. This record order comes a year after the acquisition of Air India, heavily indebted, by the Tata group.
With our correspondent in Bangalore, Como Bastin
This is a monster investment estimated at around 65 billion euros for the Tata group which founded Air India before the company passed into the fold of the State.
Tata has promised to restore its credentials to the historic Indian carrier. In one year, the operational fleet of Air India has also increased by 27%, but it is a question of moving up a gear.
► To read also: The European Commission validates the abolition of short domestic flights in France
Competition beyond borders
Driven by the post-Covid rebound, the number of domestic flights in India jumped 47% in 2022. Air India, and its low-cost subsidiary Vistara, need more planes to win in this growing market, dominated by carrier Indigo.
Air India is also targeting international markets, where competition, experts warn, will be even tougher. For this, a large fleet is not enough, it will be necessary to compete in terms of service and reputation, especially against the large carriers of the Gulf.
► To read also: A “pipigate” splashes the airline Air India
This is good news for American manufacturers Boeing and General Electrics, which saw an order for 200 aircraft confirmed on Friday, after intense negotiations. Airbus is expected to deliver 230 A320 and A350 aircraft, but the contract has not yet been formalized.
► To read also: The C919, a Chinese competitor to the Airbus A320, delivered to China Eastern