The plan is for hydrogen power to play a major role in allowing the aviation industry to continue growing, while cutting climate change emissions dramatically.

Tata was selected as the winning bidder for Air India in October last year after beating rival suitors with a $2.4 billion offer.

Geopolitically, the order is vital to U.S. national interests in that it would reinforce one of its key partners in the region.

The ability to work remotely, full or part time, has allowed Americans to travel more and to combine personal and professional trips — a transformation that carriers are planning around.

The airline reported a $695 million profit over the three months that ended in September, despite rising costs and Hurricane Ian’s disruptions to travel.

The move is being closely watched as a potential signal the model may be closer to a return to service by Chinese carriers.

Boeing missed out on a 40-plane deal in September, following an even bigger hit in July, when China ordered nearly 300 Airbus aircraft worth about $37 billion at sticker prices.

The shortfall is affecting planning at carriers including American Airlines and United Airlines, as persistent supply-chain problems and regulatory concerns rattle the business.

The carrier, controlled by India’s oldest conglomerate Tata Group, is in discussions with potential investors including private equity funds and sovereign wealth funds, and fundraising could be completed in the next few months.

"Alice" lifted off Sept. 27 at 7:10 am local time from Grant County International Airport (MWH), flying for a total of eight minutes and reaching an altitude of 3,500 feet.