Air India has started a major revamp of its short- and medium-haul fleet, with the arrival of its first ever Airbus A320neo aircraft.

The new single-aisle jet is first of 14 aircraft being leased from Kuwait-based ALAFCO. The new fuel-efficient aircraft will join Air India’s existing fleet of 66 standard A320 series aircraft.

The new A320neos will come equipped with 162 seats in two cabins – 12 in business class and 150 in economy.

To-date, Airbus has delivered just over 70 A320neos, and 20 of these have gone to Indian carriers. IndiGo has received 14 of the aircraft, while GoAir has taken delivery of five, along with Air India’s first aircraft. AirAsia India is also expected to operate the model in future.

In total, Airbus has taken orders for a staggering 5,000 A320neos from 92 customers.