Air Costa, a new regional carrier in India, aims to acquire more Embraer E-Jets to supplement its current fleet of two E-170s as part of a two-year, $100 million investment plan. The start-up, which will be based in the Andhra Pradesh state in southern India, is a part of LEPL Group, an infrastructure and real estate company. “The airline has already taken delivery of two Embraer 170 aircraft, and will add three more by the end of this year,” says Air Costa Chairman L. Ramesh.
Etihad Airways is set to introduce the Boeing 777-200LR to its fleet after cementing plans to purchase five of the widebodies from Air India. Subject to approvals, the aircraft will be delivered to Etihad from the beginning of 2014, and each will be re-fitted in a three-class cabin configuration consistent with similar aircraft in the Middle Eastern carrier’s fleet. The first aircraft is expected to enter service in April.
