February 14, 2007: It’s a tribute of sorts. Air India is saluting the nation by naming its new fleet of Boeings after the states of India.

The new move comes after the national carrier has named its aircraft after rivers and emperors earlier on. According to sources, Air India is now planning to name its 68 new Boeings after the country's states. The first aircraft, a Boeing 777 is to be inducted in April this year. The name of the first aircraft would be Andhra Pradesh. Though a decision has been mde to this effect, Air India will approach the states to seek their clearance before christening the carriers.

It ad earlier been reported that the airline has ordered 23 Boeing 777 including eight Boeing 777-200 long range and 15 Boeing 777-300 extended range aircraft apart from 27 Boeing 787 aircraft. These apart, low cost carrier Air India Express, Air India’s 100 per cent subsidiary, has also placed orders for 18 Boeing 737-700 aircraft to make up a deal valued at more than Rs 30,000 crore, reports added.

The airline would later on take a decision on what name should be given to the other aircraft joining the fleet. Significantly, AI is to induct 68 aircraft. But India has only 28 States and seven Union Territories. So what names are being planned after the number is up is not known.

In the meanwhile, get ready to fly with the airline on board Andhra Pradesh after you book your AI flight ticket.