Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a video call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson, and Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury on Monday to mark the launch of a new partnership between Air India and Airbus. Under the agreement, Air India will purchase 250 aircraft from Airbus, including 210 single-aisle A320neos and 40 widebody A350s.
During the video call, Modi highlighted the rapid expansion and growth of the civil aviation market in India, which he believes will lead to greater connectivity between India and the rest of the world, encouraging tourism and business in India. He also praised the strong presence of French companies in India and recalled the recent decision by French aerospace engine manufacturer SAFRAN to set up its largest MRO facility in India.
The partnership between Air India and Airbus is a reflection of the strength of the India-France Strategic Partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year. Modi thanked President Macron for his partnership in taking the India-France relationship forward and looked forward to working with him under India’s G20 Presidency.
