Air India Set to Confirm 30 Boeing 737 Max Jets at Hyderabad Airshow

Air India’s next phase of fleet expansion is taking shape on the global stage, with the airline preparing to firm up an order for 30 Boeing 737 Max aircraft at the Hyderabad Airshow, according to people familiar with the matter. The deal draws from options secured last year and highlights both the rapid growth of India’s aviation market and the airline’s accelerating transformation strategy.

The confirmation is expected to underline how aggressively Air India is rebuilding its narrowbody fleet following privatization and the integration of its low-cost operations. The aircraft are intended primarily for the group’s budget arm, where they will support rising domestic traffic and short-haul international services. With India now one of the fastest-growing air travel markets globally, Air India has been racing to lock in delivery slots amid an increasingly crowded global order backlog.

This latest commitment fits into the multibillion-dollar aircraft order unveiled by Air India last year, which included hundreds of jets from both Boeing and Airbus. By converting options into firm orders, the airline is moving from long-term flexibility to concrete capacity planning as demand continues to surge. The additional 737 Max aircraft will allow Air India to expand routes, improve fuel efficiency, and accelerate the retirement of older, less efficient aircraft.

Industry observers say the choice of the Hyderabad Airshow for the announcement is strategic. The event has become a platform for showcasing India’s aviation ambitions, and Air India’s move signals confidence in both the country’s economic outlook and the airline’s long-term turnaround plan. For Boeing, the order represents a strong vote of confidence in the 737 Max program from one of Asia’s most closely watched carriers.

The aircraft are expected to be deployed within the merged narrowbody operation that will eventually unify Air India Express and AIX Connect under a single low-cost brand. That unit is central to the Tata Group’s strategy, handling the bulk of domestic growth and short-haul international flying to the Gulf, Southeast Asia, and nearby regional hubs. The 737 Max, with its improved range and lower fuel burn, is well suited to those markets.

Beyond growth, the order also brings clarity to Air India’s complex fleet planning. The airline is managing parallel deliveries of A320neos, A321neos, 737 Max jets, and a large pipeline of widebody aircraft. Firming up these options now provides greater certainty as networks are reshaped, older jets are phased out, and operations are consolidated across brands.

In that context, the 30-aircraft confirmation is more than a routine addition. It reflects a strategic effort to secure capacity, streamline operations, and position Air India at the center of India’s rapidly evolving aviation landscape.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com