National carrier Air India today signed a pact with Kuwait-based ALAFCO for leasing 14 A320 neo aircraft.
The delivery of these planes is likely to start from early next year.
In this regard, an agreement was inked by Air India CMD Ashwani Lohani and ALAFCO Vice-Chairman and CEO Ahmad Al Zabin.
"This is a very important partnership for Air India. The A320 aircraft will add strength to our existing fleet and enhance our role as a major player in the domestic market," Lohani said in a release.
With the induction of 14 A320 neos, the national carrier is expected to augment its capacity in the domestic market.
The planes would come fitted with the new generation CFM leap engines which would reduce noise and emission, enhance the operational efficiency and reduce fuel consumption by at least 15 per cent, the release said.
The partnership between Air India and Airbus dates back to 1989 when the erstwhile Indian Airlines became the launch customer to induct the Airbus A320, it added.
