Air India, owned by the Tata Group, is reportedly in negotiations with Airbus and Boeing for a substantial new aircraft order, potentially encompassing around 200 additional single-aisle planes . This move supplements a significant agreement made in 2023 as the airline progresses with its multi-billion-dollar modernization, according to industry sources .

Sources suggest the discussions could involve hundreds of aircraft across various sizes, expanding on previous talks regarding an additional order of large wide-body jets .

Air India, Airbus, and Boeing have not released any comments regarding the matter .

The potential order from India's national airline emerged as airline executives gathered in New Delhi for an industry summit, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to speak .

In 2023, Air India made headlines by placing an order for 470 aircraft from both Airbus and Boeing, along with another 100 Airbus jets last year .

These potential back-to-back orders occur when manufacturers face supply chain issues, causing delays in aircraft deliveries and a looming jet shortage .

Securing new planes is crucial for Air India, which has faced under-investment during government ownership and is now implementing a modernization plan to regain market share . While the exact number of narrow-body jets in this new order is uncertain, estimates suggest it could be in the hundreds . One source indicated a provisional total of 200 narrow-body aircraft .

An Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner operating Flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick tragically crashed shortly after takeoff on Thursday afternoon, June 12. The aircraft, carrying 242 passengers and crew, went down near the Meghani area close to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, causing a massive fire and thick black smoke visible from neighboring localities including Meghaninagar and Vastrapur.

Flight AI171 departed the airport at approximately 1:38 p.m. local time. Onboard were 230 passengers and 12 crew members, including 169 Indian nationals, 53 British nationals, one Canadian, and seven Portuguese citizens. The aircraft crashed into a densely populated area near the airport, reportedly hitting a building housing medical students at B.J.

Medical College hostel, resulting in numerous casualties. Unverified videos circulating on social media show the plane struggling to gain altitude during takeoff before crashing.

At least 30 fatalities have been confirmed, with the death toll expected to rise as rescue operations continue. Emergency services, including firefighters, ambulances, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), were rapidly deployed to the scene.

Rescue teams have cleared approximately 70-80% of the crash site and are working to recover victims and assist survivors. Injured passengers have been transported to nearby hospitals, with medical teams on high alert.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a formal investigation, with technical experts from Boeing expected to assist. Initial probes will focus on why the aircraft struggled to gain altitude during takeoff, a critical phase of flight. The aircraft involved was an 11-year-old Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, known for its safety record, which has raised concerns and astonishment within the aviation industry.

Indian Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu expressed shock and confirmed that all aviation and emergency agencies are coordinating efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his condolences and assured full government support for rescue and relief operations.

Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport has temporarily suspended all flight operations until further notice. Indian Railways announced deployment of Vande Bharat trains to assist stranded passengers due to the airport closure.

The crash of Air India Flight AI171 near Ahmedabad Airport marks a severe aviation disaster with significant loss of life and injuries. Authorities continue to work on rescue, investigation, and support for affected families. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with early focus on the aircraft’s inability to gain altitude after takeoff.

Dubai International Airport (DXB) has introduced a special summer promotion with reduced long-term parking fees across all terminals from June 10 to June 30, 2025. This move supports the airport’s peak travel season, during which it expects to accommodate over 250,000 passengers daily.

Travellers using Terminal 1 Car Park B, Terminal 2, and Terminal 3 can take advantage of the following discounted long-stay parking rates:

• Dh100 for 3 days
• Dh200 for 7 days
• Dh300 for 14 days

These reduced rates offer significant savings compared to standard tariffs, providing better value for UAE residents and visitors embarking on extended trips.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to improve passenger flow and reduce congestion at terminal drop-off points. Dubai Airports encourages travellers to use official parking facilities instead of curbside drop-offs to ease traffic at terminal entrances. Visitors picking up arriving guests are also advised to utilize designated car parks or valet services, which are included in the summer discount offer.

Additionally, DXB offers digital navigation tools such as Express Maps, a QR code-based wayfinding system that helps passengers locate gates, shops, and amenities quickly. Passengers are reminded to plan their arrival times carefully, with Emirates flyers benefiting from early check-in options and other airlines recommending arrivals no earlier than three hours before departure.

This limited-time parking offer provides a convenient and cost-effective solution for travellers during one of the busiest periods at Dubai International Airport.

Air New Zealand is set to launch its most significant long-haul network expansion in years, adding over 34,000 seats to North America and increasing premium seat availability by 20,500 across its global routes from October 2025 to March 2026.

More Flights, More Comfort: North America in Focus
The airline will operate 8% more seats to North America than last year, with premium seating on these routes growing by 15%. Key gateways – Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Vancouver  will see increased capacity and frequency from Auckland Airport.

• Auckland–Los Angeles (AKL–LAX): Up to 12 weekly flights, 24,000 extra seats (+16%), including 6,800 more premium seats.

• Auckland–Houston (AKL–IAH): Returns with 4,500 additional seats between January and March.

• Auckland–Vancouver (AKL–YVR): Up to seven weekly flights, Boeing 777-300ER on peak routes, 25% more premium seats.

• Auckland–San Francisco (AKL–SFO): Daily flights through mid-February, then six per week in March, with 1,800 more seats and a 21% jump in premium offerings.

Premium Experience Gets a Lift To meet rising demand for comfort, Air New Zealand will introduce up to seven newly retrofitted Boeing 787 Dreamliners by year-end, featuring upgraded interiors and enhanced passenger amenities. The move comes as international travel rebounds and premium cabins see strong demand.

Asia Network Also Expands
The airline is also boosting premium capacity on major Asian routes:

• Auckland–Taipei (AKL–TPE): Four weekly flights (up from three), 11,800 more seats (+27%).
• Auckland–Bali (AKL–DPS): 49% increase in premium seats.
• Auckland–Hong Kong (AKL–HKG): 3,700 more premium seats (+28%).
• Auckland–Shanghai (KL–PVG): 35% increase in premium seating.

Strategic Response to Strong Demand
Jeremy O’Brien, Chief Commercial Officer, highlighted that both business and leisure travel demand remain robust. “We’re responding with more premium seats and upgraded Dreamliners to deliver a superior travel experience on our most popular routes,” he said.

The refreshed Dreamliners will debut progressively across the network, with a focus on improved comfort and service, particularly in Business Premier and Premium Economy cabins.

Air New Zealand’s expansion underscores its commitment to premium travel and positions the airline to capture growing international demand through 2026.

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has secured Air New Zealand as its latest international carrier, with direct flights to Auckland set to commence in mid-2027. This new service will begin roughly six months after the airport’s grand opening at the end of 2026.

The Auckland–WSI route will receive partial funding from the New South Wales government’s $16 million Take-Off Fund, aimed at boosting international connectivity for the region.

“This new connection between Auckland and Western Sydney will open up a pathway between two of the fastest growing regions on either side of the Tasman,” said Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran. “For customers, it’s about getting them to where they want to go more conveniently. For us, it’s another step in strengthening the ties between New Zealand and Australia.”

Air New Zealand joins Singapore Airlines as the second overseas carrier to commit to WSI. On the domestic front, Qantas and Jetstar have already signed on, with QantasLink set to launch operations using Embraer E190 regional jets and possible future deployment of the Airbus A220.

Qantas plans to base five aircraft at WSI, while Jetstar will operate ten Airbus A320 family jets. Together, they anticipate carrying four million passengers on 25,000 flights annually.

While specific domestic routes are yet to be confirmed, flights to Melbourne and Brisbane are expected to be among the first, offering significant time savings for Western Sydney residents—potentially reclaiming up to two hours on same-day trips.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey has been actively courting international airlines, leveraging the airport’s prime location 44km west of Sydney’s CBD and within an hour’s travel for three million people, making it Australia’s third largest catchment area.

“You’ve got Sydney, then Melbourne, and then Western Sydney,” Hickey said, highlighting the region’s rapid growth, youthful population, and strong appetite for travel.

Vietnam Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific are also rumored to be early entrants, reflecting the diverse demographics of the airport’s catchment. The airport’s curfew-free status is expected to attract Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, as well as Turkish Airlines, which will be permitted up to 35 weekly flights between Australia and Istanbul by late 2025.

Despite these opportunities, WSI’s designation as a ‘capital city’ airport shared with Sydney Kingsford Smith may limit some international airlines from expanding their Sydney operations due to regulatory restrictions on flight numbers.

Hickey remains optimistic, noting the strong interest from airlines, particularly in WSI’s 24-hour operational capability, which offers unprecedented scheduling flexibility for global carriers.

Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has secured Air New Zealand as its latest international carrier, with direct flights to Auckland set to commence in mid-2027. This new service will begin roughly six months after the airport’s grand opening at the end of 2026.

The Auckland–WSI route will receive partial funding from the New South Wales government’s $16 million Take-Off Fund, aimed at boosting international connectivity for the region.

“This new connection between Auckland and Western Sydney will open up a pathway between two of the fastest growing regions on either side of the Tasman,” said Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran. “For customers, it’s about getting them to where they want to go more conveniently. For us, it’s another step in strengthening the ties between New Zealand and Australia.”

Air New Zealand joins Singapore Airlines as the second overseas carrier to commit to WSI. On the domestic front, Qantas and Jetstar have already signed on, with QantasLink set to launch operations using Embraer E190 regional jets and possible future deployment of the Airbus A220.

Qantas plans to base five aircraft at WSI, while Jetstar will operate ten Airbus A320 family jets. Together, they anticipate carrying four million passengers on 25,000 flights annually.

While specific domestic routes are yet to be confirmed, flights to Melbourne and Brisbane are expected to be among the first, offering significant time savings for Western Sydney residents—potentially reclaiming up to two hours on same-day trips.

WSI CEO Simon Hickey has been actively courting international airlines, leveraging the airport’s prime location 44km west of Sydney’s CBD and within an hour’s travel for three million people, making it Australia’s third largest catchment area.

“You’ve got Sydney, then Melbourne, and then Western Sydney,” Hickey said, highlighting the region’s rapid growth, youthful population, and strong appetite for travel.

Vietnam Airlines, Philippine Airlines, and Cebu Pacific are also rumored to be early entrants, reflecting the diverse demographics of the airport’s catchment. The airport’s curfew-free status is expected to attract Gulf carriers such as Emirates and Qatar Airways, as well as Turkish Airlines, which will be permitted up to 35 weekly flights between Australia and Istanbul by late 2025.

Despite these opportunities, WSI’s designation as a ‘capital city’ airport shared with Sydney Kingsford Smith may limit some international airlines from expanding their Sydney operations due to regulatory restrictions on flight numbers.

Hickey remains optimistic, noting the strong interest from airlines, particularly in WSI’s 24-hour operational capability, which offers unprecedented scheduling flexibility for global carriers.