NEW DELHI: Air India's next collective aeroplane order is expected to be among the largest in commercial aviation history. While the airline has been tight-lipped about it thus far, a recent report claims that it could start the ball rolling on January 27th by placing half of the massive purchase.
As per the statement from the industry sources, it reads that Air India will on Friday seal half of an order for some 495 jets with Boeing and engine suppliers General Electric and CFM International, as its new owner seeks to revive the airline and compete with larger rivals.
The second half of the order reportedly includes about 235 Airbus single-aisle jets and about 40 Airbus A350 widebody aircraft, is expected to be formally wrapped up over the coming days.
Senior Boeing executives, including Stanley Deal, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, as well as executives from GE and CFM, are expected in India on Friday to commemorate the agreement.
In spite of earlier expectations of a single coordinated announcement, it remains no clarity when either deal may be publicly disclosed, especially with the Aero India air show looming in February when deals like this are usually revealed.
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