Air India Group Plans Major Fleet Expansion With 100+ Aircraft in 2027 and 2028

Air India Group is preparing for one of the biggest phases of its fleet expansion, with more than 100 new aircraft expected to be inducted across Air India and Air India Express during 2027 and 2028.

The plan was outlined by Air India CEO and Managing Director Campbell Wilson during a recent employee town hall, according to Indian media reports. The expected deliveries are set to support the group’s fleet modernisation, capacity growth and longer-term network ambitions.

More Than 100 Aircraft Expected in Two Years

The Air India Group’s delivery pipeline is expected to accelerate considerably in 2027 and 2028. The new aircraft will be distributed across the group’s full-service airline, Air India, and low-cost carrier Air India Express, which has also been pursuing rapid fleet growth.

Air India Express Also Expanding

Air India Express has separately indicated that it expects to induct more than 50 aircraft as deliveries gather pace. The low-cost airline operates an increasingly modern fleet of Boeing 737-8 and Airbus A320-family aircraft and is targeting further growth across India, the Gulf and Southeast Asia.

Hundreds of Aircraft Already on Order

Air India’s long-term expansion is backed by one of the aviation industry’s largest aircraft order books. The airline placed firm orders for 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft in 2023 and added another 100 Airbus aircraft in 2024. In January 2026, it announced an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, further expanding its future delivery pipeline.

Widebody Fleet Modernisation Continues

Fleet growth is taking place alongside a major cabin refurbishment programme. Air India is upgrading its legacy Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners as part of a roughly $400 million retrofit programme. Sixteen additional 787-8 aircraft are expected to undergo refurbishment in 2027, bringing much of the older Dreamliner fleet closer to the cabin standards offered on newer aircraft.

New Aircraft to Support International Ambitions

The arrival of new-generation narrowbody and widebody aircraft is expected to give the group greater flexibility to add capacity, improve fuel efficiency and strengthen connectivity. For Air India, newer widebody aircraft are particularly important to its ambitions on long-haul routes linking India with Europe, North America, East Asia and Australia.

Expansion Comes Amid Industry Challenges

The growth programme is moving forward despite a difficult operating environment. Airlines have faced higher fuel costs, geopolitical uncertainty, airspace restrictions, currency pressures and aircraft supply-chain delays. Air India has said it remains focused on its long-term transformation while also working to improve operational reliability and customer experience.

A Transformational Period for Air India Group

Since returning to Tata Group ownership in 2022, Air India has been undergoing a broad transformation covering aircraft, cabins, technology, lounges, loyalty services and its route network. The planned arrival of more than 100 aircraft in 2027 and 2028 could mark a particularly visible stage of that transformation, increasing the share of newer aircraft across both Air India and Air India Express.

Key Facts

•    More than 100 new aircraft planned for induction across Air India Group in 2027 and 2028
•    Expansion covers both Air India and Air India Express
•    Air India placed a landmark 470-aircraft order in 2023
•    An additional 100 Airbus aircraft were ordered in 2024
•    Air India added 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to its firm orders in January 2026
•    Sixteen additional legacy Boeing 787-8s are planned for retrofit in 2027

Sources: Air India official newsroom and recent reporting on comments by CEO Campbell Wilson. Aircraft delivery schedules can change due to manufacturer, supply-chain and operational factors.