Air India Aims for Fleet Expansion and Cost Efficiency Under New Leadership
CEO Tewolde Gebremariam announces plans for more widebody aircraft and a focus on profitability.
Air India intends to increase its widebody fleet to enhance market competitiveness.
The airline currently has 80 widebody aircraft on order, including A350s and 787s.
Cost-cutting measures are prioritized alongside growth strategies to achieve profitability.
Air India is actively pursuing an expansion of its widebody aircraft fleet, aiming to enhance its market position while simultaneously implementing cost-cutting strategies. This announcement was made by CEO Tewolde Gebremariam during the Aviation India Summit 2026, marking his first public engagement since assuming leadership of the airline last month.
In his address, Gebremariam emphasized the necessity of increasing the widebody order to align with the airline's evolving network and strategic demands. While he did not disclose the specific number of additional aircraft being sought, Air India has already placed orders for 80 widebody planes, comprising 50 A350s, 20 787s, and 10 777Xs. These orders are part of a larger commitment to acquire a total of 570 aircraft, initiated following the airline's privatization in 2023 and 2024.
The push for more widebody aircraft is driven by the airline's ambition to reclaim market share from competitors, particularly from Gulf-based carriers. Gebremariam indicated a preference for focusing on Air India's full-service operations over its budget subsidiary, Air India Express, suggesting that significant growth opportunities lie within long-haul, widebody services.
In addition to fleet expansion, Air India is prioritizing cost efficiency as a critical component of its operational strategy. Gebremariam underscored the importance of efficiency, stating, "Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency," and expressed his eagerness to see the airline achieve profitability in the near future.
Looking ahead, Air India is set to navigate a dual path of growth and cost management. The airline's leadership is committed to ensuring that the expansion of its fleet translates into enhanced service offerings and improved financial performance, with a clear focus on achieving profitability as soon as possible.
