Air India bets big on narrow-body jets to reclaim market dominance

Air India is redefining the future of Indian aviation with a bold strategy to acquire up to 200 new narrow-body aircraft. This move, part of its ongoing fleet overhaul, positions the Tata-owned carrier to dominate domestic and regional skies in the world’s fastest-growing aviation market. The expansion comes on the heels of its record-breaking 2023 order of 470 aircraft and aligns with India’s economic surge and middle-class growth.

Despite supply chain bottlenecks, Air India remains focused on modernising its fleet, enhancing efficiency, and improving passenger experience—especially on short- to medium-haul routes that form the backbone of Indian air travel. This narrow-body focus is a calculated play to boost frequency, unlock underserved routes, and sharpen competitive edge in a volatile market. For Airbus and Boeing, the deal underscores India’s strategic importance on the global aerospace map.

Read the full article to explore what this means for OEMs, investors, and the regional aviation ecosystem.