Tata Group-owned Air India is set to auction off its last remaining Boeing 747 aircraft, marking the end of an iconic era in Indian aviation history. The aircraft, registered as VT-ESO and aged 31.4 years, will be offered through an online forward auction on May 6, 2025. The auction will be managed by mjunction and held at Air India Limited’s facility in Mumbai (BOM).
This auction holds historical significance as VT-ESO is the final Boeing 747 in the airline’s fleet, once the pride of Air India’s long-haul international operations. The retirement of the jumbo jet underscores the airline’s shift toward a modern, fuel-efficient fleet under Tata Group’s ownership and ongoing transformation plans.
Interested bidders are required to submit all necessary documentation at least three days before the scheduled auction. Additionally, a one-day physical inspection of the aircraft will be allowed, giving potential buyers the opportunity to assess the aircraft’s condition before placing their bids.
Once a symbol of India’s aviation prowess, the Boeing 747 served Air India for decades on high-profile international routes and VIP missions. Its auction marks not just the sale of a machine, but the closing chapter of a legendary aircraft’s role in shaping the legacy of Indian aviation.
