Business APAC
April 22, 2025
Air India is ready to pick up airplanes that China doesn’t want anymore. As the big trade fight between America and China gets nastier, Chinese airlines are saying “no thanks” to brand-new Boeing jets. Now, India’s Air India, owned by the Tata Group, is stepping in to grab them. The news shows Air India Keen to Take Boeing Jets rejected by China.
Is this just smart shopping, or is India cleverly playing the situation for its own gain?
Why China’s Slamming the Door on Boeing
Here’s the deal: America and China are slapping huge taxes (tariffs) on each other’s products. We’re talking taxes that make buying things like multi-million-dollar Boeing airplanes incredibly expensive for Chinese airlines. Because of this trade war, China has told its airlines to stop taking new Boeing planes. Some jets meant for China are even being flown back to the US!
Air India’s Golden Opportunity?
Air India is trying to become a top airline again after years of trouble. They ordered a massive number of 470 new planes last year from both Boeing and Airbus. But building new planes takes time, and Air India needs them now to fight competitors like IndiGo. Reports indicate Air India Keen to take Boeing Jets to bridge this gap.
These rejected Chinese planes? They’re already built. Mostly the popular Boeing 737 MAX model. Air India can get these much faster than waiting for brand new ones off the factory line. Sources say Air India Keen to take Boeing Jets, specifically these “white tails” (planes built without a final buyer yet).
It seems this strategy, where Air India Keen to take Boeing Jets, isn’t entirely new; they already snapped up 41 similar Boeing 737 MAX jets since late 2023 that were first meant for China. Now, with the trade war heating up, there might be even more planes up for grabs.
India’s Sly Move or Just Good Business?
Let’s be frank: this situation helps Air India big time. The fact that Air India Keen to Take Boeing Jets allows them to get modern jets quicker, maybe even cheaper, speeding up their comeback plans. It also helps Boeing find homes for planes that China suddenly rejected.
But it looks like India is using the mess between the US and China to its advantage.
Getting these planes helps Air India grow faster and strengthens India’s place in the world’s airline map. While Washington and Beijing fight, New Delhi seems focused on getting what its companies need, and the fact that Air India Keen to take Boeing Jets fits this picture perfectly.
US-China Tensions Rising or US-India Ties Strengthening?
This move by Air India seems less about a brand-new chapter in US-India friendship and more a direct consequence of the increasingly sour relationship between the US and China. The whole reason these Boeing jets are available is because the trade war and heavy tariffs made it impossible for Chinese airlines to take them.
While India stepping in certainly helps Boeing and strengthens business ties between the US and India – a positive sign for that relationship – the situation itself is fundamentally a clear symptom of just how bad things have gotten between Washington and Beijing. It highlights the fallout from their conflict more than it signals a major independent boost in US-India relations, even if India does benefit.
Not a Done Deal Yet
It’s not smooth sailing. These planes were set up for Chinese airlines, so Air India might need to spend time and money changing the seats and interiors. Plus, other airlines, like Malaysia’s, might also be trying to buy these same jets.
Still, the message seems clear: Air India is hungry for planes, and if China’s loss can be India’s gain because of global politics, it seems ready to take the chance.
Also Read: China’s Bold Move: Boeing Aircraft Deliveries Halted in Trade Showdown
