CDB Aviation Delivers First of Six A320neos to Air India

CDB Aviation, a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Limited announced today the delivery of the first of a fleet of six Airbus A320neo aircraft to India’s leading global airline, Air India.

In 2022, CDB Aviation became one of the first aircraft leasing companies to secure the placement of Air India’s additional A320neo aircraft, which will support the carrier’s multi-stage transformation initiative that is being rolled out post its acquisition by the Tata group. By incorporating the A320neo aircraft into the fleet, Air India aims to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future for India’s aviation sector.

“India is a key market for CDB Aviation, being one of the fastest growing aviation regions in the world and the second largest Asian market for new aircraft deliveries, with nearly 1,000 jets on order with Boeing and Airbus,” underscored Peter Goodman, CDB Aviation’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Our commercial team is delighted to have worked closely with Air India to address their fleet requirements with these new Airbus narrowbody aircraft from our order book. We are confident that these aircraft will play a pivotal role in Air India’s multi-stage transformation.”

CDB Aviation is a wholly owned Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. (“CDB Leasing”) a 38-year-old Chinese leasing company that is backed mainly by the China Development Bank. CDB Aviation is rated Investment Grade by Moody’s (A2), S&P Global (A), and Fitch (A+). China Development Bank is under the direct jurisdiction of the State Council of China and is the world’s largest development finance institution. It is also the largest Chinese bank for foreign investment and financing cooperation, long-term lending and bond issuance, enjoying Chinese sovereign credit rating.

Second big order from Air India announced that Paris Air Show....up to 290 Boeing jets...

Air India has confirmed its second large order at The Paris Air Show, by finalising a deal with Boeing' for up to 290 jets.

Boeing and Air India held a signing ceremony at the air show on Tuesday cementing the deal, which includes 190 737 MAXs, 20 787 Dreamliners and 10 777X jets plus options for 50 more  737 MAXs and 20 more 787 Dreamliners.  

A comprehensive set of aviation services will also enable Air India to sustainably expand its operations in South Asia's rapidly growing aviation market. Over the next 20 years, South Asia is expected to more than triple its in-service fleet from 700 to 2,300 aeroplanes to meet passenger demand.

Airbus expects India will need 2,210 new aircraft over the next 20 years while Boeing believes the nation will need more aircraft than that and the recent orders by IndiGo and Air India would certainly seem to indicate the demand is great. Whilst confidence is great, there are one of two in the aviation world that are predicting a less-than-rosy future. Potential trouble could include another pandemic, changes in Indian regulation that would require new aircraft to be built wholly in the country, and corruption. 

250 aircraft order for Airbus from Air India confirmed at Paris Air Show.....

Air India firms up order for 250 Airbus aircraft

A350 aircraft of choice for Air India’s renaissance in long-haul travel

A320 Family of jets to become the cornerstone of 

Air India’s domestic and regional fleet

As had been predicted some time ago,  Air India has firmed up its order for 250 Airbus aircraft and also selected an Airbus maintenance and digital package to power the airline’s transformation and growth strategy.

The aircraft order includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets. The deal confirms the letter of intent to acquire the aircraft that was signed back in February 2023.

The purchase agreements for the aircraft, as well as the Letters of Intent for maintenance and digital services, were signed in the presence of N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, Guillaume Faury, Airbus CEO, Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International, and Rémi Maillard, President and Managing Director, Airbus India and South Asia at the Paris Air Show 2023.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, said: “Our ambitious fleet renewal and expansion programme will see Air India operate the most advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft across our route network within five years. We are proud to be working with all our partners, including Airbus, in this journey to rebuild a global airline which reflects India taking a more confident posture around the world.”

Air India has leased four new Airbus A321neo aircraft from AerCap

Global leasing giant AerCap Holdings confirmed today that it has completed a mandate for the lease of four new Airbus A321neo aircraft with Air India, the flag carrier of India, following the delivery of the fourth aircraft.

The aircraft, powered by CFM LEAP-1A engines, are the first A321neo aircraft to be inducted into the Air India fleet. 

"It is a very exciting time for Air India as it returns to Tata Group ownership and transitions its fleet to meet the rapidly growing Indian aviation market.  AerCap is delighted to play a role in Air India's fleet transformation by providing its first tranche of NEO aircraft on operating lease," said Peter Anderson, the Chief Commercial Officer of AerCap. "We wish Air India and the Tata Group every success as they restore Air India to one of the world's leading airlines."

Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial & Transformation Officer, Air India, said: "These four new, leased Airbus A321neo aircraft join our fast-growing fleet as part of the sweeping transformation in progress at Air India. We look forward to continuing our very successful partnership with AerCap as we go along in our continuing effort to build Air India as one of the world's finest airlines."

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India pioneered India's aviation sector. Since its first flight on October 15, 1932, Air India has an extensive domestic network and has spread its wings beyond to become a major international airline with a network across USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia, and the Gulf. Air India is a member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium. After 69 years as a government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were welcomed back into the Tata group in January 2022. The present management at Air India is driving the five-year transformation roadmap under the aegis of Vihaan.AI to establish itself as a world-class global airline with an Indian heart.

Air India restarts Delhi - Vienna route

Air India, India’s leading airline and a Star Alliance member, continues to spread its wings in the global network, having resumed non-stop flights between Delhi and Vienna,  the Music City of Austria, on 18th February 2023. 

Air India Flight AI153 now operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from Delhi, taking off at  1435 Hrs and arriving in Vienna at 1845 Hrs (local time). The flight is operated by Air India’s Boeing  787-8 Dreamliner aircraft with a two-class cabin configuration, featuring 18 Business Class and 236  Economy Class seats. With this service, Air India’s India-Europe frequency has now increased to 69  non-stop flights per week.  

Air India had suspended flights on the Delhi-Vienna-Delhi route in March 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Mr Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial and Transformation Officer, Air India, “A key element of Air  India’s Vihaan.AI transformation is to keep enhancing connectivity between India's major cities and leading global destinations. Adding this new service to Vienna, following the recent service to Milan  reiterates our commitment to this mission.” 

Big order for Airbus from Air India

 The Tata Group-owned Air India has announced its commitment to order 250 Airbus aircraft to boost its domestic and international operations. The commitment includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets that will mark a new era for the country as the all-new, long-range aircraft celebrates its debut in the Indian market.

The order aims to both modernise and expand the airline’s fleet with the objective of creating a larger and premium full-service carrier that will cater to the growing travel demand in the region. Deliveries are set to commence with the first A350-900 arriving by late-2023.

“Airbus has been a longstanding partner of Air India, and these new aircraft will play an important part in delivering Vihaan.AI, Air India’s comprehensive transformation and growth strategy,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India. “A core element of this transformation is the significant expansion of our network, both domestically and internationally, coupled with the elevation of our on-ground and onboard product to world-class standards. This order marks the start of a new chapter for both Airbus and Air India.”

“This is a historic moment for Airbus and for Air India. India is on the verge of an international air travel revolution and we are honoured that our partnership with the Tatas and our aircraft solutions will write that new chapter for the country’s air-connectivity,” says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The A350’s unique capability will unlock the pent-up potential of India’s long-haul market, its technology, long reach and second to none comfort will enable new routes and passenger experience with better economics and enhanced sustainability. Alongside the A350s, the A320 Family fleets will be the efficient, versatile asset to continue democratising and decarbonising air travel in the country – from domestic, regional, up to international levels.”

Christian Scherer adds: “We salute Air India for its visionary strategy, picking the two reference aircraft types in each of their categories. We are thrilled and humbled to see these aircraft become the cornerstones of Air India’s renaissance. This fleet will propel the airline globally where it deserves to be - with the best.

Over the next decade, India will grow to have the largest population in the world, its economy will expand the fastest among the G20 nations, and a burgeoning middle class will spend more on air travel. As a result, passenger traffic in India will grow fast, including on the long-range markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific that the A350 is well positioned to serve.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient wide-body aircraft in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

The aircraft offers a 3-class configuration cabin that is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crew the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable long-range flying experience.

The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ best-selling, single-aisle A320 Family, comfortably seating 180 to 220 passengers in a typical two-class layout, and as many as 244 in a higher-density arrangement. The A320neo has already set the standards as the world’s most comfortable short-to-medium-haul aircraft that typically accommodates from 140 to 170 passengers, with a maximum capacity of up to 180 travellers. Its environmental performance allows for at least 20 per cent less fuel burn and CO2 emissions as well as 50 per cent noise reduction, compared to previous generation aircraft.

Air India to acquire 250 Airbus aircraft......

 The Tata Group-owned Air India has announced its commitment to order 250 Airbus aircraft to boost its domestic and international operations. The commitment includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets that will mark a new era for the country as the all-new, long-range aircraft celebrates its debut in the Indian market.

The order aims to both modernise and expand the airline’s fleet with the objective of creating a larger and premium full-service carrier that will cater to the growing travel demand in the region. Deliveries are set to commence with the first A350-900 arriving by late-2023.

“Airbus has been a longstanding partner of Air India, and these new aircraft will play an important part in delivering Vihaan.AI, Air India’s comprehensive transformation and growth strategy,” said Campbell Wilson, CEO and MD, Air India. “A core element of this transformation is the significant expansion of our network, both domestically and internationally, coupled with the elevation of our on-ground and onboard product to world-class standards. This order marks the start of a new chapter for both Airbus and Air India.”

“This is a historic moment for Airbus and for Air India. India is on the verge of an international air travel revolution and we are honoured that our partnership with the Tatas and our aircraft solutions will write that new chapter for the country’s air-connectivity,” says Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International. “The A350’s unique capability will unlock the pent-up potential of India’s long-haul market, its technology, long reach and second to none comfort will enable new routes and passenger experience with better economics and enhanced sustainability. Alongside the A350s, the A320 Family fleets will be the efficient, versatile asset to continue democratising and decarbonising air travel in the country – from domestic, regional, up to international levels.”

Christian Scherer adds: “We salute Air India for its visionary strategy, picking the two reference aircraft types in each of their categories. We are thrilled and humbled to see these aircraft become the cornerstones of Air India’s renaissance. This fleet will propel the airline globally where it deserves to be - with the best.

Over the next decade, India will grow to have the largest population in the world, its economy will expand the fastest among the G20 nations, and a burgeoning middle class will spend more on air travel. As a result, passenger traffic in India will grow fast, including on the long-range markets in the U.S., Europe and Asia-Pacific that the A350 is well positioned to serve.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient wide-body aircraft in the 300-410 seater category. The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials bring a 25 per cent advantage in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, compared to previous generation competitor aircraft.

The aircraft offers a 3-class configuration cabin that is the quietest of any twin-aisle and offers passengers and crew the most modern in-flight products for the most comfortable long-range flying experience.

The A321neo is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ best-selling, single-aisle A320 Family, comfortably seating 180 to 220 passengers in a typical two-class layout, and as many as 244 in a higher-density arrangement. The A320neo has already set the standards as the world’s most comfortable short-to-medium-haul aircraft that typically accommodates from 140 to 170 passengers, with a maximum capacity of up to 180 travellers. Its environmental performance allows for at least 20 per cent less fuel burn and CO2 emissions as well as 50 per cent noise reduction, compared to previous generation aircraft.

Air lease Corp says Air India is set to order around 500 aircraft....

Steven Udvar-Hazy, executive chairman of AirLease Corporation has said that Air India is set to order around 500 planes as an airline industry recovery takes hold following the coronavirus pandemic. 

"As a result of this recovery, there is now more momentum for large orders from airlines who have sort of sat back and watched the movie, and now they're seeing there's going to be a positive trend,"   Udvar-Hazy told the Airline Economics conference.

"We have this 500-aircraft order coming out of India, which is going to be about 400 narrow-body aircraft, probably a mix of Airbus A320neos, A321neos and Boeing 737 MAXs, and 100 wide-bodies which will include Boeing 787s, 777X, potentially some 777 freighters and Airbus A350s."

"We do expect a number of airlines will place large orders and again most of these orders will be for replacement," Udvar-Hazy said.

Four new routes to India from London Gatwick announced.

London Gatwick, part of VINCI Airports’ network, is set to welcome its latest new airline this summer, with Air India announcing four new routes to Goa, Ahmedabad, Amritsar and Kochi (Cochin), starting from 26 March.

These new routes strengthen established, strong community links between the UK – particularly London - and India. 

The Indian flag carrier will be operating 12 flights a week between London and the four Indian destinations on 787-8 aircraft, with 256 seats across business and economy classes. These include:

Three flights a week to Goa, on the western coast of India, famed for its beaches and Portuguese heritage

Three flights a week to Ahmedabad, in western India, and the largest city in the state of Gujarat

Three weekly flights to Amritsar, the second largest city in the state of Punjab in north-western India

Three flights a week to Kochi (Cochin), a major port city on the south-western coast, known as the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala

These new services reflect VINCI Airports’ commitment to serve communities and sustain business growth by developing air connectivity. They also highlight Gatwick’s competitiveness to attract vital new routes.

Stewart Wingate, Chief Executive Officer, Gatwick Airport said: “The arrival of Air India and its four routes to London Gatwick is fantastic news for the airport and passengers across London and the south-east.

“India not only offers wonderful cities and beach destinations to explore but provides a wealth of opportunities for businesses and wider connectivity. These connections are also hugely important to our local and regional communities, with people looking to visit family and friends across India.”

Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons agree to merge Air India and Vistara.......

A major shake-up of the commercial airline scene in India..

Singapore Airlines (SIA) and Tata Sons (Tata) have agreed to merge Air India and Vistara, with SIA also investing INR 20,585 million (S$360 million, US$250 million) in Air India as part of the transaction. This would give SIA a 25.1% stake in an enlarged Air India group with a significant presence in all key market segments1. SIA and Tata aim to complete the merger by March 2024, subject to regulatory approvals.

SIA intends to fully fund this investment with its internal cash resources, which stood at S$17.5 billion as of 30 September 20222.

SIA and Tata have also agreed to participate in additional capital injections, if required, to fund the growth and operations of the enlarged Air India in FY2022/23 and FY2023/24. Based on SIA’s 25.1% stake post-completion, its share of any additional capital injection could be up to INR 50,200 million (S$880 million, US$615 million), payable only after the completion of the merger.

The actual amount will depend on factors including the progress of the enlarged Air India’s business plan, and its access to other funding options. SIA intends to fully fund any additional capital injections with its internal cash resources.

The merger will create India’s leading airline group

Through this transaction, SIA will reinforce its partnership with Tata and immediately acquire a strategic stake in an entity that is four to five times larger in scale compared to Vistara. The merger would bolster SIA’s presence in India, strengthen its multi-hub strategy, and allow it to continue participating directly in a large and fast-growing aviation market.

Mr Goh Choon Phong, Chief Executive Officer, Singapore Airlines, said: “Tata Sons is one of the most established and respected names in India. Our collaboration to set up Vistara in 2013 resulted in a market-leading full-service carrier, which has won many global accolades in a short time.

“With this merger, we have an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Tata and participate directly in an exciting new growth phase in India’s aviation market. We will work together to support Air India’s transformation programme, unlock its significant potential, and restore it to its position as a leading airline on the global stage.”

Mr Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman, of Tata Sons, said: “The merger of Vistara and Air India is an important milestone in our journey to make Air India a truly world-class airline. We are transforming Air India, with the aim of providing great customer experience, every time, for every customer. As part of the transformation, Air India is focusing on growing both its network and fleet, revamping its customer proposition, enhancing safety, reliability, and on-time performance.

“We are excited with the opportunity of creating a strong Air India which would offer both full-service and low-cost services across domestic and international routes. We would like to thank Singapore Airlines for their continued partnership.”

India is the fastest-growing global economy, and is projected to become the third-largest in the world by 20273.  It is also the world’s third-largest aviation market. Demand for air travel is surging with passenger traffic expected to more than double over the next 10 years, supported by rising income levels and ongoing investments in its aviation infrastructure. However, India also remains underserved with low international seats per capita, signifying significant growth potential4 .

Air India to lease 25 Airbus and 5 Boeing planes to boost international and domestic operations.

Air India leases 30 new aircraft to boost domestic and international operations

Image Air India

Air India has confirmed today, that it has either signed leases or letters of intent for 30 new aircraft as it seeks to boost its domestic and international operations. In addition, the carrier has been returning to service a number of stored aircraft - both long and short haul. 

The airline says it hopes the new aircraft will enter service in late 2022, and will increase the airline’s fleet by over  25%. Not counting the 10 long-grounded narrow-body and 6 wide-body aircraft that have been returned to service in recent months, these new aircraft mark the first major fleet expansion since Air 

India’s acquisition by the Tata Group earlier this year.

The aircraft being leased include twenty-one Airbus A320neos, four Airbus A321neos and five Boeing 

B777-200LRs.  New aircraft come in addition to 16 long-grounded aircraft returned to service The B777-200LRs will join the fleet between December 2022 and March 2023, and will be deployed on routes from Indian metro cities to the United States of America. Mumbai will see the addition of flights to San Francisco as well as to both of the New York area’s international airports, Newark Liberty and John F Kennedy, while Bangalore will receive a 3x weekly service to San Francisco. These aircraft will result in Air India offering Premium Economy haul flights for the first time. 

The 4 A321 aircraft are expected to join the Air India fleet in the first quarter of the calendar year 2023, while the 21 A320 will be inducted in the second half of 2023. These aircraft will be deployed on domestic sectors as well as to short-haul international destinations.

Commenting on the fleet expansion, Mr Campbell Wilson, CEO & Managing Director, Air India, said, “After a long time without significant growth, Air India is delighted to resume expanding its fleet and global footprint. These new aircraft, together with existing aircraft being returned to service, address an immediate need for more capacity and connectivity and mark a strong step forward. Air India has exciting expansion and renewal plans, of which these new aircraft are just the beginning.”

Air India’s narrow-body fleet currently stands at 70 aircraft, of which 54 are in service; the remaining 16 aircraft will progressively return to service by early 2023. Similarly, Air India’s wide-body fleet currently stands at 43 aircraft, of which 33 are operational. The rest will return to service by early 2023.

Founded by the legendary JRD Tata, Air India had pioneered India’s aviation sector and the airline's history is, in fact, synonymous with the annals of civil aviation in India. Since its first flight on October 

15, 1932, Air India has spread its wings to become a major international airline with a network across USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Far-East, South-East Asia, Australia and the Gulf. The airline also has an extensive domestic network, including far-flung areas of India’s North-East, Ladakh, Andaman & Nicobar Islands. Air India has been a member of Star Alliance, the largest global airline consortium, since July, 2014.

India's first international budget carrier, Air India Express was launched in 2005 to meet the need for affordable services on short and medium-haul routes- connecting smaller towns directly to the Gulf and South East Asia regions. After 69 years as a Government-owned enterprise, Air India and Air India Express were reacquired by the Tata group in January 2022. Post the acquisition, time-bound transformation milestones have been laid out and a series of steps have been initiated towards achieving the same in order to ensure Air India once again emerges as a world-class airline.

Air India Express.....cargo in the cabin

The idea of cargo-in-cabin flights transformed the way we looked at cargo operations and offered solace to thousands of local farmers and exporters in the country at the time of the pandemic.

Find out more about how this innovation helped ease the stress on the supply chain and helped farmers and exporters access the international market in a cost-effective way.

More top stories you might be interested in.....

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Air India Resumes Flights to Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport

 

Air India resumed regular flights to Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport on February 27 on the Delhi - Moscow - Delhi route. Flights to Moscow (AI 155) will operate on Saturdays, with arrival at 22:35 Moscow time. The Moscow-Delhi flight (AI 156) will operate on Sundays, departing at 18:50 Moscow time. Air India will serve the route on a modern Airbus A320neo aircraft, and service will be from Terminal D.

The resumption of direct Air India flights from Delhi to the Russian capital will satisfy pent up demand in both India and Russia. Statistics show that this route is popular with business travelers, students and tourists. The renewal of direct flights between Moscow and Delhi is also expected to encourage and create opportunities for tourism between Russia and India.

Air India customers will be able to appreciate the wide range of superior services available at Sheremetyevo Airport. The business class lounge in Terminal D is a winner of the prestigious Business Traveler Russia and CIS Awards in the category of business travel. It offers a buffet, a bar, the latest newspapers and TV, Wi-Fi, shower rooms, a children's playroom and a meeting room.

Air India Express aircraft crashes at Calicut Airport with 16 fatalities

A repatriation flight operated by Air India Express with 190 people onboard has overshot the runway at Calicut Airport, in the southern state of Kerala today.

Flight IX-1344 had originated in Dubai and had 174 passengers including 10 infants, 4 cabin crew members and the two pilots on board at the time of the incident when it crashed upon landing.

The Boeing 737-800,  registration VT-AXH was landing at around 1940 local time during bad weather according to local reports and skidded off the runway upon landing and then skidded down a slope before breaking apart. The area has been affected by flooding and landslides in recent days as the monsoon season continues.  

Garuda Indonesia leases slots at London Heathrow to Air India

Garuda Indonesia has leased the slots it held at London Heathrow Airport that it previously used on its London Deppasar route to Air India who will use them for Mumbai flights.

Garuda last used the slots at the start of February this year and have leased evening slot pairs on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday to Air India until the end of the 2021 Summer season.  Air India has indicated it will use the slots for Boeing 787 flights to Mumbai and are ready to occupy one pair as soon as the current travel restrictions are lifted.

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Air India now flies into London Stansted from Mumbai

Air India’s second long-haul route from London Stansted took to the skies last week with the launch of its new three-times a week service to Mumbai, the financial and entertainment capital of India.

The new Mumbai service, the first-ever direct link to India’s largest city from London Stansted, joins the airline’s Amritsar route which commenced less than four months ago and has already proved to be extremely popular with passengers from across London and the east of England.

The route will be served by a 256-seat Boeing 787 Dreamliner and will initially operate until the end of the winter flight schedule.

Air India's London Stansted - Mumbai service takes off with 787 Dreamliner.

Air India’s second long-haul route from London Stansted took to the skies this week with the launch of its new three-times a week service to Mumbai, the financial and entertainment capital of India.

The new Mumbai service, the first-ever direct link to India’s largest city from London Stansted, joins the airline’s Amritsar route which commenced less than four months ago and has already proved to be extremely popular with passengers from across London and the east of England.

The route will be served by a 256-seat Boeing 787 Dreamliner and will initially operate until the end of the winter flight schedule.

London Stansted boosts flights to India with new service to the country’s economic capital Mumbai

Air India to launch direct flight from London Stansted to Mumbai from February 21 using state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Route is a Stansted first and comes just three months after the airline launched its inaugural Amritsar service from the airport.

The news has been welcomed by business leaders and tourism chiefs who say the new link will generate significant trade and tourism opportunities.

It will also benefit the 200,000 people from Stansted’s catchment area who currently travel to Mumbai each year from other UK airports.

Trade and tourism industries across the East of England and London are set to receive a major boost from the launch of a new Air India service between London Stansted and India’s economic hub Mumbai next month.

The route will be a first for the airport and comes just three months after the airline launched the only direct flights from London to the northern city of Amritsar from London Stansted - the carrier’s inaugural route from the airport.

The new three-times a week service begins on February 21 initially for the Winter season and will be operated by a 256-seater Boeing 787 Dreamliner offering both business and economy class.

GDC Technics and Air India announce intent to form strategic alliance partnership

GDC Technics, an industry leader in aircraft engineering & technical services, modifications, electronic systems, R&D, government services, and MRO services, announced a Letter of Intent ("LOI") was signed with Air India Engineering Services Limited ("AIESL")— the largest MRO in India and wholly-owned subsidiary of Air India— with the aim to form a long-term strategic alliance partnership in order to pursue MRO and modification opportunities for both the country's flag carrier, Air India, and other commercial aircraft throughout the region.

London Stansted went a little Bollywood for the launch of direct Dreamliner flights to Amritsar

• Air India service the only direct link between London and Amritsar
• New route latest step towards more long-haul services from London Stansted

London Stansted was filled with the sights and sounds of India on Thursday as a dazzling Bollywood dance troupe greeted passengers to celebrate the inaugural Air India flight to Amritsar.

The new three-times a week service, operated by a 256-seater Boeing 787 Dreamliner offering both business and economy class, is the only direct service between London and Amritsar and the first-ever scheduled service from London Stansted to India.

The aircraft also featured a specially painted tribute to mark the 550th anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev ji, the founder of the Sikh religion.

Air India’s arrival is another positive step towards Stansted’s goal of developing a significant long-haul route network at the airport and joins the extremely popular twice-daily Emirates service to Dubai that launched last year.