Delay in 787 deliveries to hit Air India

MUMBAI: Air India, slated to be the third airline to receive Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner, faces delays in its plans to connect more international destinations.

Chicago-based Boeing has deferred deliveries by three months, which means Air India will now fly the long-haul aircraft around May instead of February next year.

An Air India spokesperson told DNA Money, “We have taken note of the news that the delivery of the first of the 27 787’s, which we have ordered, will be delayed. It is only natural that this would affect our own growth plans.”

Under the contract, Air India may be compensated by Boeing for the delay. The quantum is not clear, but industry experts say Kingfisher had got a significant sum from Airbus for delay in A380 delivery.

This is the third time the Boeing plane has faced delays, adding 9 months to its original delivery schedule. Experts say such delays are usual while ordering new airplanes.

Kapil Kaul, CEO, India and Middle East, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, said, “Such delays are an issue for long haul carriers from a planning point of view, especially for Air India which is facing a shortage of aircraft. They may have to lease some aircraft to add to their international operations.”

n_john@dnaindia.net