Air India emerges leaner in 2010
02 Jan 2010
Air India has continued to induct new aircraft into its fleet during the year 2009 while phasing out old aircraft, mostly leased ones, from operations. The national carrier also improved on-time performance and restructured operations to reduce costs.
During the year 2009, Air India added a total of 29 aircraft to its fleet, which included seven Boeing 777s, eight Airbus A321s, and nine Airbus A319s besides five Boeing 737-800s for Air India Express.
The new aircraft acquired by Air India also offer modern passenger amenities like in-flight entertainment system, comfortable seats, etc, the airline said in a release.
With the induction of the new aircraft in the fleet, Air India, in the winter schedule effective October 2009, has deployed the Boeing 777s on all its seven West-bound destinations and to Tokyo, ensuring a superior product on long haul destinations in the US, Europe, and Canada and to Tokyo.
Air India said the deployment of new B777s has resulted in substantial reduction in cost of operation as these aircraft are more fuel efficient.
On the domestic front, Air India is deploying more and more of its Airbus A319s and A321s to replace the A320s. These aircraft are also fitted with the in-flight entertainment system and have a seat pitch superior to other airlines.
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