It’s taken long enough, but Air India has received final approval from the Indian Government to begin taking delivery of its first Boeing 787-8.
Boeing, Air India and the Indian Government have been at odds over the delivery of the aircraft due to the delays of the 787 being built, and the compensation required by the Indian Government.
A cabinet committee on economic affairs has approved some of the changes, and are now allowing Air India to take delivery of its first aircraft.
A timetable has not yet been made for delivery.
This, however, does not mean that all issues related to the aircraft have been resolved.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation states:
“The issue relating to compensation for failure to meet performance guarantees has been delinked from the delay compensation settlement agreement, which shall be negotiated separately after actual evaluation of the performance of the inducted 787,”
Air India has 27 787’s on order, and three of these units are “ready for delivery” as it is due to the delays according to Boeing India.
As such Air India will be the 3rd operator of the Boeing 787 – providing United gets their units in September as planned.
The configuration of the Air India 787’s is meant configured in 2-2-2 in business class, and 3-3-3 in economy.
It’s taken time, and Air India needs the efficient birds. The fact that government interference every step on the way when Air India has been trying to fly these planes shows the challenge Air India still has…
Actually, Air India willbe the fourth operator of the 787 after ANA, JAL and United.