The Grand Deal

Priya worked with remarkable efficiency. Within hours, she had arranged for the media to report that Royal Vijaya Airlines planned to purchase between 50 and 100 passenger planes to expand the aviation industry of Vijayanagara. Understanding the importance of global exposure, she ensured that the news spread beyond the national press. The announcement was published on international video and news platforms like YouTube, Bloomberg, and Reuters, aiming to catch the attention of the world's two largest aircraft manufacturers—Boeing and Airbus.

Boeing Headquarters, USA

Inside a sleek conference room at Boeing's headquarters, the CEO sat across from his assistant, who had just handed him a printed report. His brows furrowed as he scanned the headline.

"Vijayanagara's Royal Vijaya Airlines to purchase 50–100 passenger planes."

The CEO leaned back in his chair, looking slightly puzzled. "Vijayanagara? That small South Asian kingdom? Isn't it a poor country?"

His assistant, standing beside him, nodded. "Yes, sir, their per capita GDP is only $5,222. But the Royal Family is extremely wealthy. They control vast industries, own significant shares in Apple, Microsoft, Tesla, Facebook, and Amazon, and have major investments in global markets."

The CEO tapped his fingers on the table, deep in thought. "50 to 100 planes—that's a deal worth at least $3 to $4 billion. We need to secure this order before Airbus does."

Airbus Headquarters, France

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, Airbus had also received the news. Unlike Boeing, the CEO of Airbus, Thomas Enders, did not hesitate. He immediately assembled a team and booked the earliest flight to Southeast Asia, determined to meet the Vijayanagara delegation before Boeing could.

Two Days Later – Meeting in Vijayanagara

The air in the Royal Conference Hall was thick with tension as two of the aviation industry's biggest players—Albaugh, Vice President of Boeing Civil Aircraft, and Thomas Enders, CEO of Airbus—sat across from each other.

Both men knew what was at stake. A 50–100 plane deal was a rare and lucrative opportunity.

The doors to the conference hall opened with a "Da-da-da" sound of steady footsteps.

A young man entered, his regal presence commanding immediate attention. Krishna Deva Raya, Crown Prince and Deputy Prime Minister of Vijayanagara, took his seat at the head of the table.

Without any unnecessary formalities, he spoke directly.

"I won't waste time. Let me state my requirements: two things—fast delivery time and high cost efficiency."

Both Albaugh and Enders nodded, mentally preparing their best offers.

Krishna continued, "We are looking for narrow-body aircraft—either Boeing's 737 series or Airbus's A320 and A321 series."

As he spoke, he pushed two blank sheets of paper across the table toward them.

"Write down your quotes now."

Both executives were momentarily stunned.

They had been part of countless negotiations, but never had a major business deal been conducted this directly. Usually, there were weeks of discussions, bargaining, and presentations.

Yet here was a Crown Prince demanding a price on the spot.

A minute passed. Neither man moved.

Krishna sighed and set his teacup down with a deliberate clink.

His tone was calm but firm. "If you can't decide here, you can go into separate rooms and write it down. I'll give you ten minutes."

Under his unwavering gaze, the two executives scrambled to write their offers.

The Offers

Within five minutes, both men returned with their bids.

Boeing's offer:

• Boeing 737-900ER – $83 million

• Boeing 737-800 – $75 million

• Delivery time: 3 years

Airbus's offer:

• Airbus A320-100 – $62 million

• Airbus A321-100 – $68 million

• Delivery time: 2 years

Krishna quickly dismissed the Boeing 737-800—it was expensive and had a shorter range.

But what really made the decision for him was delivery time.

Even if Boeing prioritized Vijayanagara's order, they could only deliver in 3 years. That was too long.

Airbus, however, promised delivery in 2 years, making it the better option.

With the decision clear, Krishna spoke.

"Mr. Enders, Airbus wins the deal."

Thomas Enders, sitting opposite, let out a sigh of relief. But before he could celebrate, Krishna leaned forward.

"However, two years is too long. I need them in six months."

Enders' face stiffened. "Your Highness, that's impossible. We have too many orders ahead. Two years is already the fastest timeline."

Krishna's expression remained unchanged. "I trust in your ability, Mr. Enders. I'll make it worth your while."

He paused before making his offer.

"I will order 30 Airbus A320-100s and 45 Airbus A321-100s—75 planes in total. On top of your quoted price, I'll add $2 million per aircraft as a priority fee for early delivery."

Enders hesitated. "Your Highness, this goes against Airbus' policies. It could harm our reputation."

Krishna's tone became sharper. "Fine, then I'll increase it to $3 million per aircraft. If you still can't deliver in time, I will cancel the order and lease planes instead."

Silence.

The entire room tensed as Thomas Enders weighed the decision.

This was a huge deal, second only to China Southern Airlines' historic order.

Finally, he exhaled and nodded.

**"Your Highness, we can't deliver all in six months. But we can deliver:

• 15 planes in six months

• 50 planes within a year

• The remaining 10 planes within 18 months."**

Krishna thought for a moment, then nodded. "That will do."

Enders sighed with relief, smiling at the sheer size of the order.

He extended his hand. "Your Highness, thank you for choosing Airbus. We will not disappoint you."

Krishna shook his hand. "Happy cooperation, Mr. Enders."

With the deal finalized, Krishna left the rest of the contract negotiations to the Royal Investment Bureau.

They were experts in handling investments, contracts, and had negotiated deals with hundreds of companies worldwide.

As Krishna left the room, he knew this was just the beginning.

To be continued…