Air India to Expand Long‑Haul Fleet with Additional Wide‑Body Jets and Forecasts Near‑Term Profitability

Air India intends to increase its order for wide‑body aircraft to strengthen international passenger traffic, Chief Executive Tewolde Gebremariam said at the Aviation India event in New Delhi on Tuesday. The Tata‑owned carrier expects to return to profitability “very soon,” he added.

Mr. Gebremariam’s remarks come after he took over from the former Ethiopian Airlines chief executive, steering Air India through a comprehensive turnaround amid rising operating costs, geopolitical disruptions and recent losses.

“We want more wide‑body aircraft,” Gebremariam said at the event, highlighting the airline’s ambition to further bolster its long‑haul fleet as it pursues overseas growth.

Air India has engaged in talks with both Boeing and Airbus while evaluating the cost of operating its older wide‑body jets, according to an anonymous industry source.

“The cost of operating old wide‑bodies is high, and they’re not very efficient,” the source explained. “Newer aircraft would help the airline connect more cities and navigate the impact of Pakistan’s ban on its airspace.”

The source added that many destinations remain unconnected due to the current fleet constraints.

Airbus declined to comment on discussions with customers regarding fleet plans, while Boeing did not respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

When asked how many wide‑body jets Air India is seeking to order, Tewolde did not provide a specific number.

Since its return to Tata Group ownership in 2022, Air India has launched a multi‑billion‑dollar transformation program that includes fleet renewal, cabin upgrades and network expansion.

Tata holds roughly 75 % of Air India, with Singapore Airlines owning the remaining stake.

The airline has been adding new aircraft and refurbishing older ones to raise service standards and compete more aggressively on international routes.

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