Air India to buy 50 new planes

Air India is reported to be buying 50 new planes from Boeing, in a £3 billion deal that it a further sign of the burgeoning aviation industry in the sub-continent.

According to the BBC News website, the deal is probably the biggest ever in India and comes after a year of talks between the carrier, Boeing, and its rival aircraft manufacturer Airbus.

The deal represents a major expansion for Air India – its current fleet consists of 18 Boeing aircraft and 18 Airbus planes, the BBC reports.

While it is not clear exactly when the carrier will take delivery of the planes, the BBC says some reports suggest the new aircraft will be phased in over 10 years.

Dinesh Keskar, president of trade for Boeing, is quoted as saying: “This is the largest order bagged by Boeing in the country.

“Our 777-LR aircraft are capable of direct flights from India to America and this would save Air India a lot of money in terms of fuel.

Each of airplanes has more capability of servicing high-density routes such as London and this will be beneficial to Air India.” Report by Tim Gillett, News From Abroad Ltd