New Delhi/IBNS: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday thanked his “friend” French President Emmanuel Macron for joining him at the launch of an important partnership between Air India and Airbus, which he said reflects the robust-Indo-French partnership.

In a tweet, PM Modi said: “I thank my friend @EmmanuelMacron for joining me at the launch of an important partnership between @airindiain and @Airbus that will further strengthen the Indian aviation sector and create opportunities in both nations. This reflects the robust Indo-French Strategic Partnership.”

Prime Minister Modi on Tuesday participated in a video call with President of France Emmanuel Macron, Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Tata Sons, N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of the Board, Tata Sons, Campbell Wilson, CEO, Air India and Guillaume Faury, CEO Airbus on the occasion of the launch of a partnership between Air India and Airbus.

Air India and Airbus have signed a contract for the supply of 250 aircraft, 210 single-aisle A320neos and 40 widebody A350s to Air India.

President Macron, in a tweet, said the contract between Air India and Airbus marks a new stage in the bilateral strategic partnership and thanked PM Modi for his confidence in France and its industry.

“The contract that Airbus and Tata Sons signed this morning marks a new stage in India and France’s strategic partnership. Thank you @NarendraModi, for your confidence in France and our industry,” President Macron said in a tweet.

This commercial partnership between these two players of the aviation sector also displays the strength of the India-France Strategic Partnership, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, a statement said.

In his address, Prime Minister highlighted the rapid expansion and growth of the civil aviation market in India which will give impetus to greater connectivity between India and the rest of the world, and will in turn encourage tourism and business in India.

Complimenting the strong presence of French companies in India, Prime Minister also recalled the recent decision by French aerospace engine manufacturer SAFRAN to set up its largest MRO facility in India to service aircraft engines for both Indian and international carriers.

Prime Minister thanked President Macron for his partnership in taking the India-France relationship forward and looked forward to working with him under India’s G20 Presidency, the statement added.

Air India, in a tweet, said: “Can’t wait to take wings with 40 Airbus A350s powered by Trent XWB Engines by Rolls-Royce as well as 210 Airbus A320/321 Neos aircraft powered by CFM International.”

The A350 aircraft will be powered by Rolls-Royce engines and the B777/787s by engines from GE Aerospace.  All single-aisle aircraft will be powered by engines from CFM International.

Commenting on the occasion, Tata Sons and Air India Chairman, N Chandrasekaran, said: “Air India is on a large transformation journey across safety, customer service, technology, engineering, network and human resources. Modern, efficient fleet is a fundamental component of this transformation. This order is an important step in realising Air India’s ambition, articulated in its Vihaan.

"AI transformation program, to offer a world class proposition serving global travellers with an Indian heart. These new aircraft will modernise the Airline’s fleet and onboard product, and dramatically expand its global network.  The growth enabled by this order will also provide unparalleled career opportunities for Indian aviation professionals and catalyse accelerated development of the Indian aviation ecosystem.”

The deal includes 140 A320neo and 70 A321neo single-aisle aircraft as well as 34 A350-1000 and six A350-900 wide-body jets that will mark a new era for the country as the all-new, long-range aircraft celebrates its debut in the Indian market.