Air India and aircraft maker Airbus have signed a contract under which Airbus will convert 15 A320neo aircraft from the airline’s existing order book into the advanced A321XLR variant, enhancing the Tata Group-owned carrier’s long-haul narrow-body capabilities. Addressing a news conference on the sidelines of Wings India 2026, Jürgen Westermeier, president and managing director, Airbus India and South Asia, said Indian carriers currently have a combined backlog of around 1,250 Airbus aircraft. Airbus expects to deliver between 120 and 150 aircraft a year to Indian airlines, or roughly two aircraft every week. Westermeier said the growth is being driven by a booming domestic market and Indian airlines’ push into international networks. According to Airbus, Indian airlines have placed orders for more than 1,700 aircraft, of which about 72 per cent are Airbus planes.

Source: The Telegraph January 29, 2026 15:01 UTC