New Delhi: Air India is seeking to expand its widebody fleet while cutting costs and working toward profitability “as soon as possible,” CEO Tewolde Gebremariam said.
The Widebody Push
“We want to increase our widebody order. Our network and strategy demand more widebodies,” Mr. Gebremariam said in his first public appearance since taking charge at the airline last month, speaking at the Aviation India Summit 2026.
He did not specify how many additional widebodies the airline is seeking. Air India already has 80 on order:
- 50 A350s
- 20 787s
- 10 777Xs
They are part of two orders for a total of 570 aircraft placed in 2023 and 2024, soon after the airline’s privatisation.
Regaining Market Share
Behind the widebody growth is the aim to regain market share from competitors, including Gulf carriers.
The CEO also appeared to favour Air India over budget arm Air India Express, saying that “more growth may come from full service carrier widebody long haul” operations.
‘Efficiency, Efficiency, Efficiency’
Alongside its long-term growth plans, the airline is focused on cutting costs and achieving profitability in the near term.
“Efficiency, efficiency, efficiency,” Mr. Gebremariam said of the airline’s approach to costs, adding that he was “impatient to see profitability as soon as possible.”
