By Srinivas Iyer | Mumbai
Air India has appointed UK-based aircraft marketing and asset management firm Skytech-AIC to oversee the sale of six Airbus A319 aircraft as the Tata Group-owned airline continues to modernise its fleet and phase out older aircraft.
The six narrow-body aircraft, manufactured between 2003 and 2006, are being offered for immediate sale without their CFM56-5 engines. Financial details of the proposed sale and the identities of prospective buyers have not been disclosed.
The Airbus A319 fleet has largely been deployed on domestic and short-haul international routes. Their sale forms part of Air India’s long-term strategy to replace ageing aircraft with newer, fuel-efficient Airbus A320neo family aircraft, while simplifying fleet operations and improving efficiency.
Commenting on the assignment, Skytech-AIC Managing Director Julian Balaam said the company was pleased to once again support Air India after successfully managing the sale of the airline’s Boeing 747-400 fleet in 2025. He said the latest mandate reflects Air India’s continued focus on fleet optimisation.
Fleet renewal remains a key pillar of the airline’s ongoing transformation programme. Earlier this year, Air India introduced its first retrofitted Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner under a US$400 million cabin refurbishment initiative, which will upgrade 26 Dreamliners with new interiors, seating and enhanced onboard products.
Since returning to the Tata Group, Air India has accelerated investments in new aircraft, product upgrades and operational improvements as it seeks to strengthen its position in domestic and international markets.
The divestment of the six Airbus A319 aircraft marks another milestone in the airline’s fleet transformation, paving the way for the induction of next-generation aircraft and a more modern, efficient fleet.
