Air India, which is owned by the Tata Group, plans to purchase 250 Airbus aircraft to expand and modernize its operations.

The order includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft, as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body planes.

The new long-range aircraft will debut in the Indian market and will be used to create a larger, premium full-service carrier to cater to growing travel demand in the region. Air India’s CEO and MD, Campbell Wilson, said the order marks the beginning of a new chapter for both Airbus and Air India.

The first A350-900 is expected to arrive by late 2023. The A350 is a state-of-the-art aircraft with unmatched efficiency and comfort, and it will help unlock the potential of India’s long-haul market. Passenger traffic in India is expected to grow fast, including on long-range markets in the U.S., Europe, and Asia-Pacific that the A350 is well-positioned to serve.