Air India Express Receives First Custom Boeing 737-8 MAX
Air India Express has taken delivery of its first line-fit Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the airline's fleet expansion under Tata Group ownership. The aircraft, registered as VT-RNT, features a custom livery honoring Ratan Naval Tata and is configured with all-economy seating. This delivery represents a shift from the airline's previous 'white-tail' aircraft strategy to custom-built planes. Air India Express has added 25 aircraft this year, bringing its total fleet size to 110, and plans to double capacity in the next 4-5 years.
*this image is generated using AI for illustrative purposes only.
Air India Express has achieved a significant milestone with the delivery of its first line-fit Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, marking a new chapter in the airline's fleet expansion under Tata Group ownership. The aircraft departed Boeing's manufacturing facility in Seattle and is scheduled to arrive in Delhi, representing the carrier's first fully customised addition designed exclusively for its operations.
Aircraft Specifications and Features
The new aircraft carries several distinctive characteristics that set it apart from previous additions to the fleet:
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration | VT-RNT |
| Aircraft Type | Boeing 737-8 MAX |
| Fleet Position | 51st Boeing 737-8 MAX |
| Configuration | All economy-class seating |
| Livery | Custom design honoring Ratan Naval Tata |
The aircraft features a special custom livery dedicated to Tata Group Chairman Emeritus, the late Ratan Naval Tata, commemorating what would have been his 88th birthday. This personalized touch reflects the airline's connection to its parent group's legacy and leadership.
Shift from White-Tail Operations
This delivery represents a strategic shift for Air India Express, which has historically operated "white-tail" aircraft—jets originally built for other airlines and later inducted into its fleet. The new Boeing 737-8 MAX marks the airline's first aircraft delivered with specifications designed exclusively for its operational requirements, similar to the approach taken by its parent company Air India.
Fleet Expansion Under Tata Group
Since Tata Group's acquisition of Air India and Air India Express in January 2022, fleet expansion has accelerated significantly. The group placed a major aircraft order in February 2023 as part of its long-term growth strategy, followed by an additional order in December 2024.
| Fleet Milestone | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Total Fleet Size | 110 aircraft |
| Aircraft Added This Year | 25 aircraft |
| Recent Achievement | Crossed 100-aircraft mark |
Future Growth Plans
Despite facing delays caused by global supply chain constraints, Air India Express successfully added 25 aircraft during the year and recently crossed the 100-aircraft milestone. The airline has outlined ambitious expansion plans, stating its intention to double capacity over the next four to five years as part of its comprehensive growth roadmap.
The delivery of this first line-fit Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft demonstrates Air India Express's commitment to fleet modernization and operational efficiency, positioning the carrier for sustained growth in India's competitive aviation market.
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