Air India Express Receives First Custom-Configured Boeing 737-8 from 140-Aircraft Order

First line-fit aircraft joins airline’s expanding Boeing fleet

Air India Express inducted its 51^st Boeing 737-8 aircraft, marking the arrival of its first line-fit aircraft, at Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. The aircraft was delivered on December 30, 2025, following a direct flight from Boeing’s facility in Seattle.

The aircraft is the first of 140 custom-configured Boeing aircraft ordered by the airline and has been designed and configured to Air India Express specifications. It is scheduled to enter commercial service in January.

The line-fit Boeing 737-8 incorporates cabin features aligned with the airline’s new branding. These include redesigned seating, charging power outlets at each seat, onboard ovens for hot meals, larger overhead bins, a quieter cabin environment and Boeing’s Sky Interior with integrated mood lighting.

Since its transition to the Tata group, Air India Express has inducted 51 Boeing 737-8 aircraft. The airline now operates a fleet of over 100 aircraft, making it the country’s largest Boeing operator. During 2025, the airline also inducted four A321neo, four A320neo and three A320ceo aircraft.

Commenting on the induction of the airline’s first line-fit aircraft, Aloke Singh, Managing Director, Air India Express, said, “We are proud to welcome our 51^st Boeing B737-8, the first of the fully customised line-fit aircraft, marking a significant step in Air India Express’ fleet modernisation journey. Two-thirds of the airline fleet is now comprising of modern B737-8s and A320/321Neo aircraft, offering better fuel-efficiency and superior on-board comfort. On the back of this rapid fleet growth, we have expanded our network to 60 destinations, adding 12 destinations in 2025 alone. As India’s aviation market continues to evolve, Air India Express is emerging as a strong connector of New India, enhancing connectivity to/from tier-2 and tier-3 cities with network footprint spanning India, the Middle East, South East Asia and South Asia.”

The airline has also initiated a retrofit programme for its existing Boeing 737-8 aircraft. Under this programme, 50 aircraft will be upgraded to a standardised 189-seat configuration, with 2 aircraft having completed the retrofit process.

Alongside fleet expansion, Air India Express launched its new brand campaign, ‘Xplore More, Xpress More’. The airline continues its Tales of India initiative, which features aircraft tail designs inspired by regional art forms and crafts from 25 Indian states.