The order is for 100 A320s.

India, like China, is a huge growth market as their middle class expands. Air travel is vastly faster then travel by train, so the more affluent are quickly taking to the skies just as they have done in America and Europe.

It may very well be a desire to "be first" and secure market share now, while domestic competition is more limited and airlines like Kingfisher start to look outside the sub-continent to international service.

If you're around, B747-437B, I'd be interested to hear your opinions/insights.