Air India has placed an order for 470 aircraft from Airbus and Boeing at a list price of $70 billion, according to Chief Executive Campbell Wilson, as the airline seeks potential to expand in long-haul international travel.
Biggest airplane order
Air India announced on Friday that it will hire 4,200 cabin crew and 900 pilots to support its fleet development goals until 2023.
Air India has begun hiring across all ranks and roles in preparation for the delivery of the 470 aircraft from Boeing and Airbus. Currently, the airline employs around 140 people to support approximately 140 planes.
Airbus, the largest manufacturer of aircraft, yielded to supply pressure from industry and halted the ramp-up of production for its best-selling A320neo-family jet and set a delivery target for 2023.
Air India announced Tuesday that it will purchase 250 Airbus aircraft as part of an agreement to revamp the former national carrier, which has been a massive drain on the public purse for decades.
Air India, which is owned by the Tata Group, plans to induct approximately 90 aircraft over the next two years In order to increase its market share and expand its presence.