The conversion is part of Air India’s orders placed with Airbus in 2023 with an addition in 2024, comprising a 50 A350s and 300 single-aisle A320 Family aircraft. The deliveries of the 15 A321XLR are expected between 2029 and 2030.
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Of the 300 single-aisle aircraft, this conversion to A321XLR applies to 15 of 210 A321neo aircraft ordered, while the remainder 90 A320neo remain as originally structured.
The A321XLR, the latest variant in the evolution of the widely successful A320neo Family, offers a range of up to 4,700 nautical miles (or 8,700 kilometres) while delivering exceptional fuel efficiency, reduced emissions, and superior onboard comfort for passengers. This capability will enable Air India to open new non-stop international routes and optimise high-demand, medium-haul international services, with the flight economics of a single-aisle aircraft.
Air India and Airbus are long-standing partners. The two companies have a 50:50 joint venture that has set up an advanced pilot training centre, inaugurated in September 2025, at the Air India Training Academy in Gurugram, Haryana. The state-of-the-art facility, equipped with 10 Full Flight Simulators (FFS), will train more than 5,000 new pilots over the next decade to support the exponential growth of commercial aviation in India.
Currently, Air India has deliveries of 542 new aircraft (including 344 with Airbus) out of its total firm orders for 600 aircraft, underscoring its commitment to building one of the world’s youngest and most efficient fleets.