New Delhi: In one of the biggest aviation deals, Tata Group-owned Air India on Tuesday announced orders for the purchase of 250 aircraft from Airbus and 220 from Boeing. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron in a video conference hailed the deal with Airbus, PM Modi later spoke with US President Joe Biden to applaud the agreement with Boeing, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in a statement praised the deal with Airbus.
Air India and Airbus have signed a contract for the supply of 250 aircraft, 210 single-aisle A320neos and 40 widebody A350s to Air India.
Boeing in a tweet said that Air India has ordered 190 737 MAXs, including 737-8 and 737-10, and 20 787-9 Dreamliners, and 10 777-9s, with the option for 70 more Boeing jets.
Prime Minister Modi participated in a video call with President of France Emmanuel Macron, Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Board, Tata Sons, Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India and Guillaume Faury, CEO Airbus on the occasion of the launch of a partnership between Air India and Airbus.
He had a telephonic conversation with US President Joe Biden during which the two leaders welcomed the landmark agreement between Air India and Boeing for purchase of over 200 aircraft.
PM Rishi Sunak and UK Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch welcomed a momentous deal for Airbus and Rolls-Royce to provide new aircraft for Air India, which is worth billions of pounds to the UK, a statement said.
The agreement announced by the companies Tuesday will support and create new highly skilled jobs in Wales and Derbyshire, helping to boost exports, grow the economy and level up the UK, it said.
PM Modi in a tweet said the Air India-Airbus deal reflects the robust-Indo-French partnership.
“I thank my friend @EmmanuelMacron for joining me at the launch of an important partnership between @airindiain and @Airbus that will further strengthen the Indian aviation sector and create opportunities in both nations. This reflects the robust Indo-French Strategic Partnership.”
President Macron, in a tweet, said the contract between Air India and Airbus marks a new stage in the bilateral strategic partnership, and thanked PM Modi for his confidence in France and its industry.
“The contract that Airbus and Tata Sons signed this morning marks a new stage in India and France’s strategic partnership. Thank you @NarendraModi, for your confidence in France and our industry,” President Macron said.
This commercial partnership between these two players of the aviation sector also displays the strength of the India-France Strategic Partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, a statement said.
In his address during the virtual event, Prime Minister highlighted the rapid expansion and growth of the civil aviation market in India which will give impetus to greater connectivity between India and the rest of the world, and will in turn encourage tourism and business in India.
Complimenting the strong presence of French companies in India, Prime Minister also recalled the recent decision by French aerospace engine manufacturer SAFRAN to set up its largest MRO facility in India to service aircraft engines for both Indian and international carriers.
Prime Minister thanked President Macron for his partnership in taking the India-France relationship forward and looked forward to working with him under India’s G20 Presidency.
Air India, in a tweet, said: “Can’t wait to take wings with 40 Airbus A350s powered by Trent XWB Engines by Rolls-Royce as well as 210 Airbus A320/321 Neos aircraft powered by CFM International.”
In their phone call, PM Modi and US President Biden welcomed the announcement of the agreement between Air India and Boeing as a shining example of mutually beneficial cooperation that will help create new employment opportunities in both countries.
Prime Minister invited Boeing and other US companies to make use of the opportunities arising due to the expanding civil aviation sector in India.
President Biden hailed the historic agreement, saying it reflects the strength of the US-India economic partnership.
“The United States can and will lead the world in manufacturing. I am proud to announce today the purchase of over 200 American-made aircraft through a historic agreement between Air India and Boeing.
“This purchase will support over one million American jobs across 44 states, and many will not require a four-year college degree. This announcement also reflects the strength of the U.S.-India economic partnership.
“Together with Prime Minister Modi, I look forward to deepening our partnership even further as we continue to confront shared global challenges—creating a more secure and prosperous future for all of our citizens,” the US President said, according to a White House statement.
