Air India is in renewed negotiations with Airbus and Boeing to acquire up to 300 aircraft as part of its ongoing expansion and fleet modernisation under Tata Group ownership, according to sources cited by Reuters.
The discussions reportedly include as many as 80 to 100 wide-body aircraft, in addition to about 200 narrow-body jets and 25–30 other wide-body planes that were already under consideration.
The exact composition of the order—covering the mix between narrow-body and wide-body aircraft and the ratio of firm orders to purchase options—has not yet been finalised, Reuters reported.
These talks build on Air India’s earlier efforts to expand its fleet. In June 2025, Reuters reported that the airline was exploring a deal for approximately 200 additional single-aisle jets from Airbus and Boeing. Earlier in the year, discussions were also underway to acquire 30 to 40 wide-body aircraft to increase long-haul capacity.
If the new plan materialises, it would add significantly to Air India’s record 2023 order of 470 aircraft from both manufacturers.
The proposed deal underscores the airline’s ambition to rapidly strengthen its fleet, improve reliability, and expand its international route network.
The renewed negotiations come as Air India faces heightened scrutiny following the June 2025 crash of a Boeing 787 aircraft in Ahmedabad that killed 260 people.
The incident has intensified the airline’s efforts to modernise its fleet and enhance operational safety standards.
Air India’s expansion push coincides with a sharp rebound in global air travel. With international passenger volumes recovering strongly, the carrier is positioning itself to compete more aggressively with established global airlines on long-haul routes connecting India with North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
According to Reuters, details regarding the financial structure, delivery timelines, and division of firm orders versus options remain under discussion.
However, industry sources noted that the magnitude of the order reflects Air India’s intent to accelerate its global transformation and re-establish its position as a leading full-service international carrier.
If concluded, the agreement could rank among the largest aircraft acquisitions by an Indian airline and would reinforce the Tata Group’s multi-year strategy to revitalise Air India.
The plan aligns with the carrier’s goal of integrating its subsidiaries, including Air India Express and Vistara, into a unified full-service and low-cost operation serving both domestic and international markets.
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