Air India is in early discussions with American aircraft company Boeing to buy around 10 Boeing 737 MAX planes, according to a Reuters report. These planes were originally meant for China, but China has refused to take them due to trade tensions with the US.
Sources say that Air India wants to use these planes for its budget carrier, Air India Express. The talks are still ongoing, but if a deal is finalised, the planes could be added to the fleet by the end of this year. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg confirmed that many Chinese customers are refusing to take delivery of aircraft because of high tariffs. The ongoing trade dispute between the US and China has resulted in both countries imposing tariffs of over 100% on each other’s goods, which has impacted various industries, including aviation.
Ortberg said that Boeing is now looking to find new customers for the undelivered planes. This is where Air India could step in. According to one source quoted by Reuters, “Air India is very interested, and if the deal goes through, the planes could be added to the fleet by the end of the year.”
However, Air India, Air India Express, and Boeing have not yet made any official statements or responded to the media regarding the talks. Air India Express, which already has over 100 planes, is used to buying “white tail” planes. These are aircraft that were made for one airline but later sold to another, often at a lower price or with different features.
A source involved in the talks said that the planes meant for Chinese airlines may have different seat layouts or cabin designs. This could affect the final price of the deal because some changes might be needed to match Air India’s existing planes.
Adding these planes would help Air India grow its fleet and expand its services. Right now, their plans are being delayed because both Boeing and Airbus have been slow in delivering new planes. Air India’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, said the airline has faced delays that have slowed its growth. He called the situation a “victim of circumstance.” With more competition in the Indian airline market, getting new planes is important for improving both domestic and international flights.
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