Air India orders 30 more Boeing jets, converts 15 Airbus A321s to XLR variant

Air India has placed a firm order for 30 additional Boeing single-aisle aircraft, consisting of 20 737-8 and 10 737-10 models, the airline announced at Wings India 2026. This follows the airline's 2023

order for 220 Boeing aircraft, bringing its total commitment with the manufacturer to 250 planes.

Of the original 2023 order, 52 aircraft have been delivered to date, including 51 737-8 jets currently operated by Air India Express and one 787-9 Dreamliner. The airline also confirmed it is converting 15 of its existing orders for Airbus A321neo aircraft into the A321XLR (Extra Long Range) variant.

This conversion is part of a larger 2023 agreement for 300 single-aisle Airbus aircraft. While 15 will now be the A321XLR variant, the remaining orders for 195 A321neo and 90 A320neo aircraft will proceed as originally planned. Deliveries for these A321XLR aircraft are scheduled to take place in 2029-2030.

In a multi-year partnership with Boeing Global Services, Air India has entered into a Component Services Program (CSP) to support its entire Boeing 787 fleet. The agreement covers both existing 787 aircraft and those currently on order. This CSP is designed to provide:

• Component pooling: Immediate access to a shared pool of high-value, serviceable parts.


• Maintenance services: Expert repair, overhaul, and modification of components through Boeing-approved facilities.


• Logistics: Support for the worldwide transportation and delivery of necessary parts.

Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson stated that the additional Boeing 737 order is intended to support the airline's broader strategy for steady deliveries and fleet upgrades. Regarding the Airbus conversion, Wilson noted that the move is part of the airline’s effort to build a versatile future fleet that meets the evolving needs of travellers to and from India.

Also Read: India’s aircraft fleet to triple to 2,250 by 2035 as air travel demand surges: Airbus