An era of Indian aviation has drawn to a close as Air India sells its final four Boeing 747-400 jumbo jets. The "Queen of the Skies," once a hallmark of Air India's global presence, will depart for new lives with US-based AerSale.
The sale marks a bittersweet moment for aviation enthusiasts in India. The 747's luxurious cabins and iconic silhouette were synonymous with opulent air travel. However, many had hoped these aircraft could serve a final, critical purpose for the nation's aerospace ambitions.
India's Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) had expressed interest in acquiring the four-engine 747s. These aircraft are prized as flying testbeds for engine development programs, allowing engineers to evaluate engine performance under real-world conditions.
The 747's design allows for a test engine to be securely mounted on an external pylon. This configuration was seen as potentially vital for testing engines developed under India's Kaveri (fighter jet) and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft) programs.
However, with the aircraft now sold, the dream of a readily available testbed has faded. India's pursuit of self-reliance in engine development will continue, and opportunities to secure alternate test platforms may emerge.
