Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Dec 28: Air India Express will receive its first line-fit Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft on Monday, December 29, marking the induction of the first brand-new aircraft manufactured specifically for Air India since the Tata Group took over the airline from the government in 2022.

The aircraft, registered as VT-RNT, features a special livery paying tribute to Ratan Naval Tata, according to Flight Radar, quoted by PTI. The induction is being seen as a significant milestone in the group’s ongoing transformation and expansion plans.

The aircraft forms part of Air India Group’s large-scale fleet expansion. In February 2023, the group placed a historic order for 470 aircraft, followed by an additional 100 aircraft order in December 2024. Until now, the group has been operating so-called ‘white tail’ aircraft — planes originally built for other airlines but redirected to Air India due to global supply chain disruptions.

Air India Express has witnessed strong growth over the past year. Recently addressing employees, Managing Director Aloke Singh said the airline has crossed the 100-aircraft milestone. In 2025 alone, the carrier inducted 25 aircraft, including 14 Boeing 737 MAXs, four A321 neos, four A320 neos and three A320 ceos.

During the year, Air India Express also received its first retrofitted Boeing 737 MAX and inducted its first Airbus A321 neo. The aircraft was part of a batch of 16 A320 family planes transferred from Air India, further strengthening the low-cost carrier’s fleet and network expansion plans.