An Air India plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, killing 270 people including passengers and ground victims, with investigations ongoing and a black box recovered to determine the cause.
Air India, under Tata Group's ownership, has expanded its aircraft order with Airbus, increasing it by 100 jets to a total of 450. The updated order now includes a greater focus on the larger A321neo for narrow-body aircraft and an increased number of A350-900s for wide-body aircraft, reflecting a strategic shift towards more balanced fleet expansion. This move is part of Air India's broader efforts to modernize its fleet and regain market share in the rapidly growing Indian aviation market.
Air India, owned by Tata Group, has announced an order for 100 Airbus aircraft, including 10 A350 widebody and 90 A320 Family single-aisle planes, as part of its fleet modernization program. This order adds to the 250 Airbus aircraft ordered in 2023, bringing Air India's total Airbus order to 344. The airline has also selected Airbus' Flight Hour Services-Component (FHS-C) for its A350 fleet to enhance performance and reliability. This move aligns with Air India's strategy to expand its fleet and improve its global connectivity.
Vistara, a joint venture between Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons, will cease operations as it merges with Tata-owned Air India, forming a single entity with an expanded network. The merger aims to consolidate operations and reduce losses, but has faced challenges such as pilot shortages and service complaints. While the Tatas plan significant investments to upgrade Air India's fleet and service, the integration of Vistara's premium offerings into Air India's larger framework poses branding and operational challenges. The move leaves a gap in India's premium airline market.
Air India has faced repeated incidents with decommissioning its Airbus A320 aircraft. Years ago, a crane snapped while moving an A320 due to miscalculation of the weight. In 2021, another A320 got stuck under a bridge in Delhi, causing traffic congestion. Recently, a similar incident occurred in Motihari, where the fuselage of a retired A320 got stuck under a bridge, leading to a massive traffic jam. These incidents highlight the need for careful planning and measurement in the transportation of large aircraft parts.