In the late 1960s, Mr. JRD Tata faced stiff boardroom opposition to his planned purchase of new generation wide-body jets. However, he ultimately prevailed, and Air-India's (AI) first Boeing 747-200, Emperor Ashoka (VT EBD · MSN 19959/LN 124), arrived at Bombay on April 18, 1971. A little over a month later, the 747 began service to London on May 24, and then to New York on May 26, 1971. With subsequent deliveries, the larger Boeings took over responsibility for the prestige trunk routes, releasing their elder 707 sisters to develop other areas.
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