Air India appoints Skytech-AIC to sell six Airbus A319 aircraft amid fleet modernisation
New Delhi, July 6
Air India on Monday 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 streamline and modernise its fleet.
According to a statement issued by Skytech-AIC, the six narrowbody aircraft, manufactured between 2003 and 2006, are available for immediate sale. The aircraft will be offered without their CFM56-5 engines.
While the company confirmed that the aircraft are being actively marketed, it did not disclose the expected timeline for the sale, the value of the transaction, or the identities of any prospective buyers.
This is the second major assignment Skytech-AIC has undertaken for Air India. The firm had previously managed the sale of the airline's Boeing 747-400 fleet, a process that was completed in 2025.
Commenting on the development, Skytech-AIC Managing Director Julian Balaam said the company was pleased to have once again been selected by India's flag carrier. He noted that the latest mandate follows the successful completion of the Boeing 747-400 fleet sale last year.
"We are delighted to have again been selected by India's flag-carrier, Air India, for this important assignment which follows the successful conclusion of the sale of the airline's 747-400 fleet which completed in 2025," Balaam stated.
The sale of the Airbus A319 aircraft is part of Air India's broader fleet transformation programme under the Tata Group. The airline has been retiring older aircraft and inducting new-generation jets as it pursues a long-term strategy to modernise its operations and improve efficiency.
Air India's Airbus A319 fleet has primarily served domestic and short-haul international routes. These aircraft are expected to be phased out gradually as the airline continues to induct newer Airbus A320neo-family aircraft into its fleet over the coming years.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Selling without engines? That's interesting, usually those CFM56 engines have good resale value. Maybe they're keeping them for their remaining A320 fleet or something. Anyway, glad to see Air India finally moving away from the old clunkers. 🛩️
As an aviation enthusiast, I've flown on AI's A319s many times on Delhi-Mumbai routes. They were reliable workhorses but definitely showing their age. The new A320neos are a huge improvement in comfort and efficiency. Smart decision by the Tata management.
Wait, these planes are from 2003-2006? That's almost 20 years old! No wonder they're being sold. Air India should have done this years ago under the old management. At least Tata is now cleaning up the mess. Hope the sale proceeds are used wisely for fleet expansion.
I appreciate the modernisation, but I hope Air India doesn't forget about passenger experience in this rush to change planes. Those old A319s had more legroom in economy than some new planes! Let's hope the new ones are comfortable too.😊
Good riddance! I remember flying on those A319s to Dubai - the cabin was always noisy and the seats were worn out. Air India is finally getting its act together. Now they need to focus on on-time performance and customer service as well. 👍
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