{"id":61974,"date":"2024-04-18T13:29:12","date_gmt":"2024-04-18T07:59:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/?p=61974"},"modified":"2024-04-24T19:46:19","modified_gmt":"2024-04-24T14:16:19","slug":"end-of-era-air-india-sells-all-4-boeing-747s-to-us-based-aersale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aviationa2z.com\/index.php\/2024\/04\/18\/end-of-era-air-india-sells-all-4-boeing-747s-to-us-based-aersale\/","title":{"rendered":"End of Era: Air India Sells All 4 Boeing 747s to US-Based AerSale"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

MUMBAI-<\/strong> Tata-owned Air India (AI)<\/a> has finalized the sale of its final four Boeing 747<\/a> jumbo jets, signaling the conclusion of an era that had previously propelled the airline into the global spotlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to sources knowledgeable about the situation, the four aircraft have been purchased by the US-based company AerSale, which specializes in aftermarket commercial jet engines and parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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By Dylan Agbagni (CC0) from Bordeaux, France – Air India One – VT-ESO – Boeing 747 – Air India, CC0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=82413102<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Air India Sells Boeing 747s<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It’s anticipated that two aircraft will convert into freighters, while the remaining two will be dismantled to utilize their parts, as per the sources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vman Aviation Services, headquartered in Mumbai, will oversee the process of transferring the aircraft to AerSale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recycled aircraft components are in high demand due to their substantial remaining operational lifespan at a fraction of the cost of new parts, offering significant savings for operators.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tata Group, the new owner of Air India, opted not to utilize the 747s, deeming them economically unviable for current operational conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The last operational flight by Air India 747 occurred on the Delhi-Mumbai route in March 2021. Following the airline’s acquisition, Tata Group enlisted the services of the UK-based remarketing firm Skytech-AIC to facilitate the sale of the four aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Air India received its first 747 on March 22, 1971, which commenced service on May 21 of the same year, operating four weekly flights from India to London and featuring a triple-class configuration with 423 seats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, the aircraft served as transportation for the prime minister, president, and vice-president until the Indian Air Force procured two Boeing 777s in 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Credits to Creator<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Flying Palace<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

During that period, the airline had introduced a fresh appearance for its aircraft exterior, featuring silver and white hues complemented by red accents and windows designed to resemble Rajasthani-style arches, aiming to evoke the ambiance of ‘Jharokha’ type balconies reminiscent of the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concurrently, the airline had launched a branding initiative named “Your Palace in the Sky.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

JRD Tata, the then chairman of Air India, emphasized the necessity of acquiring the aircraft due to the superior offerings provided by its competitors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He stated, “We cannot maintain competitiveness unless we ensure our passengers receive superior equipment and service compared to any other airline globally. Additionally, with the advent of an aircraft large enough to cater to a mass tourist market, Air India must be prepared to accommodate its share of the increasing tourist traffic to India <\/a>in the coming years.” This statement was made following the reception of the first 747.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Caribb | Flickr<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Pilot Insights Who Flew ‘Queen of Skies’<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Gautam Mehta, who piloted the 747 for over a decade, described to ET <\/em>that the 747 was a truly pilot-friendly aircraft known for its smooth handling, reliability, and impressive appearance. “It’s an incredibly robust aircraft. With four engines, it’s designed with high redundancy, ensuring safety even in the event of engine loss,” Mehta remarked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another pilot, who transitioned to a different aircraft type after flying the 747, emphasized the enduring significance of the 747 despite the emergence of next-generation planes featuring fly-by-wire technology, which considerably reduces the pilot’s workload.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I’ll always cherish memories of the 747. Once, upon landing in Nagpur with the 747, the entire airport personnel gathered outside to admire the magnificent aircraft. When we requested 90 tonnes of fuel, it caused a stir as it exceeded their typical daily fuel demand,” he recalled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on Telegram Group <\/a>for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Thai Airways Retires Boeing 747 One Day After Air India<\/a><\/blockquote>