Air India to acquire 50 new aircraft

Airline Industry Information, Nov 25, 2004

AIRLINE INDUSTRY INFORMATION-(C)1997-2004 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD

The board of national carrier Air India has agreed to a 50-aircraft fleet expansion according to an airline spokesperson.

Jitendra Bhargava said that the budget for the ambitious expansion would be agreed at a later date. The Indian government has already suggested that it is looking to hold negotiations with aircraft manufacturers Boeing and Airbus over Air India's plans.

Air India is planning to acquire medium, long and ultra-long range aircraft according to Bhargava, helping the airline to increase its capacity by 12% annually.

State-run domestic carrier Indian Airlines announced in early November 2004 that it wants to acquire 43 new aircraft from Airbus costing nearly USD2bn, reports The Associated Press.

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