Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Overseas airline orders 20 Charleston-based Boeing 787-9s, with option for more

Ross Norton //February 14, 2023//

Overseas airline orders 20 Charleston-based Boeing 787-9s, with option for more

Ross Norton //February 14, 2023//

Listen to this article

This story has been updated.

Air India has selected Boeing for its next big purchase, with plans that include buying at least 20 of the 787 Dreamliners made in North Charleston.

Boeing and Air India today announced the carrier has selected Boeing's planes and a set of aviation services from the company. The deal also calls for the sale of more of what Boeing touts as its family of fuel-efficient airplanes, 190 of the 737 MAX and 10 of the 777X airplanes, in addition to the Dreamliners.

The two companies made the announcement today in a news release from Boeing. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. With options bringing to potential sales to 400 planes, the deal is part of what Air India says is the largest order in aviation history. The carrier also ordered 250 aircraft from Airbus.

“When finalized, this will be the largest Boeing order in South Asia and a historic milestone in the aerospace company's nearly 90-year partnership with the carrier,” the announcement said.

“This acquisition of nearly 300, highly advanced Boeing jets is a core element of Vihaan.AI, the comprehensive transformation and growth strategy we are pursuing at Air India," Campbell Wilson, Air India CEO and MD, said in the news release. "These new airplanes will enable us to dramatically expand our network, both domestically and internationally, and will come with a completely new, world-class onboard product enabling passengers to travel in the highest levels of comfort and safety. With this order, we are delighted to take our long relationship with Boeing to a new level.”

The deal also includes options for more planes, including an option for 20 additional 787-9s. The Dreamliner program is based in North Charleston and although final delivery is made from the Lowcountry, elements of the 787s are assembled at other sites.

Air India has benefited from the efficiency and flexibility of the 787 Dreamliner family with an existing fleet of 27 787-8s, Boeing stated in the release. The larger 787-9 will provide increased capacity, greater range and 25% better fuel efficiency compared to earlier generation jets.

“Air India's selection of Boeing's family of passenger jets shows their confidence in our products and services in the world's fastest growing aviation market, and their decision will support engineering and manufacturing jobs at Boeing factories in Washington state, South Carolina and across our supply base,” Stan Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said in the release. “With the industry-leading fuel efficiency of the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner and 777X, Air India is well positioned to achieve its expansion plans and become a world-class global airline with an Indian heart."

Air India has also contracted with Boeing Global Services for lifecycle support services, including digital solutions, spare parts and landing gear exchange programs, pilot and maintenance technician training, aircraft modifications and other services.

-