Air India Express Welcomes First Line-Fit Boeing 737-8 MAX in Historic Delivery

December 28, 2025 at 03:46 AM•2 min read

Air India Express received its first line-fit Boeing 737-8 MAX in New Delhi, marking the Tata Group's first all-new aircraft and honoring Ratan Tata with VT-RNT registration.

Key Points

1The aircraft, registered VT-RNT, is the first line-fit plane for the Air India Group since the Tata takeover in January 2022.
2It features a special livery and registration honoring Ratan Naval Tata, known as "The Visionary Aircraft."
3The delivery is part of the Air India Group's massive order for over 570 new aircraft, signaling a major modernization effort.
4Air India Express recently surpassed the 100-aircraft fleet milestone, doubling its size since joining the Tata Group.

Air India Express has reached a major milestone in its expansion plan. The airline welcomed its first line-fit Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft in New Delhi on Monday, December 29. This aircraft is the first all-new plane manufactured specifically for the Air India Group since the Tata Group takeover. The delivery signals a significant shift in the group’s fleet strategy.

Until now, the Air India Group had inducted only “white tail” aircraft. These planes were originally built for other airlines but redirected due to global supply chain issues. A “line-fit” aircraft is built to the carrier's exact specifications from the factory. This ensures the latest features, better efficiency, and enhanced reliability.

Honoring a Visionary

The new Boeing 737-8 MAX carries a special tribute. It features a unique livery and the registration VT-RNT. This honors Ratan Naval Tata, the former Chairman Emeritus of the Tata Group. The aircraft is officially billed as “The Visionary Aircraft”. India's aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), approved the special registration. The plane is configured with only economy class seats. It aligns with the low-cost carrier model of Air India Express.

Fleet Expansion Milestone

This delivery is a tangible part of the Air India Group's massive fleet order. The group announced a historic order for 470 planes in February 2023. An additional 100 aircraft were ordered in December 2024. This multi-billion dollar investment aims to modernize the fleet.

Air India Express has already achieved rapid growth. The airline recently crossed the 100-aircraft fleet milestone. This number includes aircraft transferred from Air India and AIX Connect. The carrier's Managing Director confirmed the milestone in a staff message. The airline's expansion focuses on strengthening its presence in India's emerging cities.

Industry Impact and Future Outlook

The induction of modern, fuel-efficient jets from Boeing is crucial. The Boeing 737-8 MAX is known for its improved fuel efficiency. This helps reduce operating costs for the airline. This also supports global efforts to lower carbon emissions, a key focus for the FAA and other regulators.

This strategic fleet enhancement is a cornerstone of the Tata Group's vision. It aims to create a world-class aviation ecosystem in India. The consistent pipeline of new aircraft will boost operational capacity. This growth will also allow the airline to expand its route network. For the latest commercial aviation news, visit our partners at flying.flights.