Air India to purchase 250 Airbus aircraft from France, PM Modi says ‘important milestone’

India and France enjoy deep friendly ties, with the leaders of the two countries also sharing a warm personal equation.

New Delhi, Feb 14: India and France on Tuesday announced the "historic' Air India-Airbus to facilitate the supply of 250 aircraft.

"We have built a very good relationship with Airbus. Today I am happy to announce that we have signed a letter of intent to acquire 250 aircrafts from Airbus," said Natarajan Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons.

Speaking at the event, PM Modi said "Air India and Airbus tie-up is an important milestone for the India-France Strategic Partnership.

"Our civil aviation sector is an integral part of India's development. Strengthening the civil aviation sector is an important aspect of our national infrastructure policy," he said.

In the last eight years, the number of airports has gone up from 74 to 147, Modi pointed out.

Through the scheme UDAN, remote parts of the country are also being connected through air connectivity, which is giving a boost to the economic and social development of the people, he said.

In the near future, India would become the third biggest market in the world in the aviation sector, he said. In the next 15 years, over 2,000 aircraft would be required, he added. Many new opportunities are opening up in aerospace manufacturing under India's 'Make in India - Make for the World' vision, the prime minister said.

"Whether it is the issue of security and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, or global food security and health security, India and France together are making a positive contribution," PM Modi said in his remarks. Today, the India-France partnership is playing a key role in ensuring stability and balance of the international order and the multilateral system, he said.

French President Emmanuel Macron, who was present at the launch, "This achievement shows that Airbus and all its French partners are fully dedicated to develop new areas of cooperation with India. We have achieved so much with India. We've historic opportunity to go much further, given the potential of Indian people."

"India, under your leadership clearly can be the one to mobilize the whole world and help us to address the tremendous issues we have in front of us," he said.

"The end of the pandemic should lead to more exchanges between our two countries. Students, scientists, artists, businessmen, women, tourists all are most welcome to France & I encourage Indians to come and be part of this French Indian friendship," he added.

India and France enjoy deep friendly ties, with the leaders of the two countries also sharing a warm personal equation.