First batch of new Boeing 777-200 LR to join AI

Mumbai, June16: Two of the new boeing 777-200 (LR) aircraft would be joining the fleet by next month, V Thulasidas, chief of Air India (AI) said today.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Thulasidas said all 10 leased A-310 aircraft will be phased out by 2010.

While two of the aircraft will be returned this year, another five would be sent back to a lessor in 2008.

Mr Thulasidas said the first 777-300-ER aircraft will be delivered to AI in August this year, while another delivery of the aircraft will arrive in September and October. The airline is also poised to take the first delivery of 25 787 aircraft in September next year.

AI is acquiring 68 state-of- the-art aircraft, which will have latest passenger amenities onboard. Acquisition of the new aircraft will enable the state-owned carrier to be ranked among the top 10 in Asia Pacific, he said.

Seven of the 18 new aircraft, ordered for Air India Express which is airline's low-cost subsidiary, have already been inducted in the fleet. The first batch of the 50 new aircraft for AI will join the fleet this month itself, he added.

UNI