Air India Expands Fleet with Arrival of First Leased A320neo in Late 2024
In a strategic move to address capacity and connectivity needs, Air India has taken delivery of the first of a 21-strong batch of leased A320-200Ns. The remaining A320neos are expected to arrive progressively by August 2024, according to CEO Campbell Wilson. This development is part of Air India’s broader plan to enhance its fleet, including the recent delivery of its second A350-900.
The decision to lease the twenty-one A320-200Ns and four A321-200NX was announced by Air India in September 2022. CEO Campbell Wilson highlighted the importance of these additions to meet the airline’s operational requirements. The lessors’ identities were initially undisclosed, but the first A320-200N, with registration VT-RTF (msn 11705), arrived in Delhi from Toulouse Blagnac on October 11, sourced from CALC. Additionally, the four A321-200NX aircraft, with registrations VT-RTB (msn 11113), VT-RTC (msn 11156), VT-RTD (msn 11183), and VT-RTE (msn 11260), were secured from AerCap.
Wilson shared the news with Air India employees through an internal email, stating, “This week saw the arrival of yet another aircraft – the first of 21 A320Ns. The remaining twenty A320neo (are) progressively arriving between now and August 2024.”
It’s crucial to note that these leased Airbus narrowbodies are distinct from Air India’s substantial order of 470 aircraft earlier in the year, comprising 250 planes from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. The Airbus order includes 210 A320N family aircraft and forty A350s, with the first A350-900, VT-JRA (msn 554), already delivered in September. The second A350-900, VT-JRB (msn 558), is undergoing livery changes and modifications in Toulouse, scheduled to arrive in New Delhi in January 2024.
This fleet expansion reinforces Air India’s position in the aviation market, complementing its existing diverse fleet, which includes various Airbus and Boeing models. As the airline continues to strengthen its operations, the latest additions mark a significant step in fulfilling its long-term growth strategy.