Mumbai: Air India Express is preparing for a significant fleet expansion next year, with plans to induct between 20 and 24 new aircraft in 2026. The move marks another step in the Air India Group’s broader transformation and fleet modernization strategy.
Currently, Air India and Air India Express operate a combined fleet of 282 aircraft, of which 110 including Airbus A320/321, Boeing 737, and 737 MAX jets are part of the low-cost arm. The airline’s Managing Director, Aloke Singh, said that while the fleet growth plan is on track, actual deliveries will depend on Boeing’s production schedule and supply chain conditions.
Singh added that all 50 white-tail Boeing 737-8 aircraft will be retrofitted into a uniform economy-class configuration by mid-2026. Air India Express received its first 737 MAX in 2023, coinciding with the launch of its refreshed brand identity. These aircraft are part of the massive 470-plane order placed by the Air India Group with Boeing and Airbus, which includes 190 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft slated for delivery by 2030.
The airline recently unveiled its first retrofitted Boeing 737-8 in Mumbai, showcasing upgraded cabin interiors with ergonomic synthetic leather seats, improved legroom, USB charging ports at every seat, and modern Sky Interior lighting. The new fleet will also feature “Gourmair” hot meal options, supported by onboard ovens to enhance the in-flight experience.
Singh said the narrow-body capacity of the Air India Group is now almost evenly split between Air India and Air India Express. Going forward, the low-cost carrier plans to focus on strengthening its domestic network, particularly metro-to-tier 2 and tier 3 city routes, which account for about 80 percent of its domestic operations.
While Air India focuses on long-haul and business-heavy routes, Air India Express is targeting leisure travelers, small businesses, and the value-conscious segment. Singh emphasized that market share is not the airline’s primary goal, but given the nature of India’s aviation market, most of the group’s narrow-body operations will likely continue under the low-cost model.
