Air India is said to be contemplating a hefty multi-billion dollar order for a substantial number of widebody passenger aircraft, with both Boeing and Airbus in the mix, Pilotcenter.net News reports. The ongoing discussions are centered around a potential order ranging between 30 to 40 aircraft, possibly divided between the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X models. Speculation suggests that the order might even reach up to 50 aircraft as the airline presses forward with its ambitious expansion plans.

As per an airline source, clarity on the matter is expected closer to the June 2025 Paris Air Show. Meanwhile, an official spokesperson from Air India refrained from commenting on the speculations. Both Boeing and Airbus have also chosen to remain silent on the rumors. This potential significant widebody order would complement Air India's existing huge order made in 2023, consisting of 470 new airframes, as part of the airline's growth initiatives post its acquisition by the privately owned Tata Group.

Following the initial order that included aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing, Air India went on to place another order in December 2024 for 100 Airbus aircraft, featuring widebody A350s and narrowbody A320 Family planes. This subsequent order brought the total count of aircraft ordered by Air India from Airbus in 2023 to 350. Besides the Boeing 777 and 787 that it currently operates, Air India also has pending orders for 10 Boeing 777Xs and 20 787 Dreamliners.

The potential addition of more widebodies comes at a time when Air India is striving to regain its standing among international long-haul carriers, in the face of stiff competition both globally and domestically. Close competitor IndiGo has recently announced long-haul services to Amsterdam and Manchester from India beginning in May 2025, with plans for rapid international expansion with Airbus A350s.

Air India's journey from being a top long-haul carrier to facing challenges under state ownership is reflected in the evolving Indian aviation landscape where competitors like IndiGo have flourished, while others like SpiceJet and Akasa Air are also making their mark in the domestic market. The airline's CEO, Campbell Wilson, has indicated that global aircraft shortages are expected to persist for at least four years due to supply constraints on engines, premium seats, and fuselage elements. This predicament could result in Air India needing to retain older aircraft for a longer period, consequently extending the transformation plan initiated by the Tata Group.

In recent developments, Air India successfully completed the retrofitting of one of its Airbus A320neo aircraft, marking a significant step in the carrier's $400-million retrofit program aimed at updating 67 legacy aircraft, including narrowbody and widebody planes, to align with the new Air India branding and standards. The aircraft underwent a comprehensive transformation, receiving new interiors, a three-class cabin configuration, and a fresh livery, showcasing Air India's commitment to enhancing its fleet and passenger experience.