Air India trying to fly into the future with mega deal with Airbus-Boeing

Air India, one of India's largest and oldest conglomerates, is eyeing its future with a billion-dollar bet on the country's growing middle class and demand for air travel. Air India was under government ownership for many years. Now back to its original private owner Tata Group. Last week, Air India announced a joint purchase of 470 aircraft from France's Airbus and America's Boeing, one of the biggest deals in aviation history.

The deal was announced a year after the Tata Group re-takeover the loss-making Air India airline. Air India, the airline that gave wings to the country, was born out of Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy Tata's love for aviation. Although Air India's first flight took place on 15 October 1932, its story actually dates back to 1929, when JRD Tata obtained his pilot's license.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak have congratulated each other. According to an announcement by the US President's Office 'White House', Boeing and Air India have reached an agreement, under which Air India will buy 220 aircraft from Boeing for $34 billion. These include 190 B737 Max, 20 B787, and 10 B777X. Under the agreement, there will be an option to buy 70 more aircraft.

Air India will buy aircraft 737 MAXs from Boeing Airplanes. This includes the 737-8 and 737-10. 20 aircraft of 787-9 will be purchased in this deal. 10 aircraft will be of 777-9s. Apart from this, Air India is going to make its fleet very attractive through 70 more Boeing jet aircraft.