How secret London talks led to Air India’s gigantic plane order

Reuters exclusively revealed details of closely-guarded negotiations between plane makers, engine manufacturers, and Indian carrier Air India for a near-500 plane mega order. The epicenter of the deal-making was London’s St James’ Court hotel, a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace, where company executives gathered for a “bake-off” during which they make their best offers to the airline. The talks ended in a celebration at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Quilon, renowned for its coastal Indian curries. Reuters was also the first to break a series of stories about Air India’s jumbo plane order, starting in December, and culminating with the announcement of the final deal on Feb. 14.