Air India to Change Recent Order for Bigger Planes

Wednesday, 6th May 2015 at 14:06pm

A senior government official said that Air India is likely to make a change in its order for Dreamliner aircrafts. Instead of Boeing 787-8 jets, the national carrier will order larger 787-9.

The carrier has previously brought 20 Boeing 787-8 aircrafts, as a part of a total order made for 27 such planes. They are now looking for a way to substitute the remaining 7 vessels for larger models.

The government-backed airline has already assembled a team of finance, engineering, commerce, and strategy experts from its ranks whose job will be to find the best way to make this model substitution happen.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma said that Air India has the option of substituting B787-8 planes for B787-9s.

Sharma said:

"The B787-8 aircraft in the Air India have 18+238=256 seats configuration. In addition to the higher seating capacity, the B787-9 also offers 18.9 tonnes of cargo capacity compared to 15 tonnes for the B787-8."

Asked when the 21st B787-8 aircraft might be delivered, Sharma said:

"The delivery of 21st B787-8 is expected by the end of June."

Air India has an agreement with the aircraft manufacturer Boeing that allows the carrier to substitute some of the previously ordered B787-8s.

Boeing 787-9 aircraft has a two class (economy and executive) configuration, which includes four interior layout options: 24+270=294, 24+274=298, 18+286=304 and 18+292=320.

Air India Mumbai-Newark Flight Experiences Damaged Fan Blade, Returns to Newark

Minster Sharma also said an Air India flight AI-144 carrying 250 passengers to Mumbai had to return back to an airport in Newark.

He said:

"On flight AI-144 operating on Mumbai-Newark sector with Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft, the right hand engine experienced vibrations which crossed the normal levels. Hence, the pilot returned to Newark after fuel jettison. On inspection conducted on landing, one fan blade of the engine was found damaged."

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