SEATTLE- Tata-owned Air India (AI) Group low-cost subsidiary Air India Express (IX) takes delivery of the first Boeing 737 MAX in Seattle.
During the Paris Air Show 2023, the Tata Air India (AI) Group finalized the deal to purchase 190 Boeing 737 MAX. Further, the Indian carrier has 50 737 MAXs on option.
Air India First 737 MAX Delivery
The former Air India MRO, now known as AIESL on X, posted pics of the First 737 MAX with its engineers and other staff. It wrote,
“A big congratulations to AIX Connect for receiving their first Boeing Max aircraft from the Boeing facility in Seattle. The presence of experienced AMEs from AIESL ensured top-notch engineering support and a seamless delivery process for the aircraft.”
AIESL
The first 737 MAX inducted by Air India was earlier designated to Shanghai Airlines (FM). The aircraft has 168 Economy and 8 Business Class Seats. Further, it has the registration N5515X, and Indian registration is expected to have VT-BXA.
Air India Express (IX) is poised to experience its most rapid expansion since its inception, facilitated by the completion of its merger with AirAsia India and the planned incorporation of approximately 50 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft by December 2024.
Delivery Schedule
Air India Express (IX) has scheduled the delivery flight for its first B737-8 aircraft. The delivery flight is set to take place from Seattle Boeing Field, with stopovers in Reykjavik Keflavik, and Kuwait, before reaching its final destination at Hyderabad International.
This delivery is planned for the period of September 28-30, 2023. Following this, the airline is preparing for the delivery of a second B737-8, scheduled for September 29-October 1, 2023, according to an analysis of ch-aviation schedules.
Notably, these B737 MAX aircraft were originally intended for Chinese airlines. The first aircraft, registered as VT-BXA (manufacturer serial number 61639), was initially designated for Shanghai Airlines (FM).
In contrast, the second aircraft, VT-BXD (manufacturer serial number 61658), was intended for China Eastern Airlines (MU). These aircraft will be received in India with Shanghai Airlines’ and all-white liveries, respectively, and will undergo repainting in India.
These aircraft were reassigned due to the temporary suspension of all B737 MAX deliveries to China. This is expected to be resolved in the near future.
CEO Confirmation
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive and Managing Director of Air India (AI) confirmed in an interview with the TOI that the deliveries of 737 MAX aircraft had experienced delays due to supply chain challenges. Initially, the airline had anticipated receiving its first MAX in July/August 2023.
Wilson acknowledged the slight adjustment in their expectations, stating, “The number of MAX we expect to receive by the end of this fiscal year – ten to twelve – is a little lower than we had anticipated – fifteen. But this is due to Boeing issue, which is adding a few weeks to each aircraft.”
Regarding the delivery of their first A350-900s, which was originally expected in the fourth quarter of 2023, Wilson mentioned that there have been minor delays.
“We should get five, if not, as expected, six by next March. There’s a little bit of delay on the first one because some extra tests were needed on some of the seats by the seat manufacturer. This calendar year, we are certainly expecting one A350 and possibly two. While these delays are obviously not welcome, it’s not the end of the world.”
CEO of Air India
Air India has outstanding orders for six A350-900s and thirty-four A350-1000s from Airbus. Wilson highlighted the airline’s strategy of adding leased A320neo Family aircraft in addition to direct deliveries from manufacturers.
According to Ch-aviation’s fleet’s advanced module, Air India has 140 A320-200Ns and seventy A321-200Ns on order from Airbus. The airline also intends to incorporate approximately 25 more aircraft from lessors over the next year.
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