First two new Boeing 777-200 LR's to join AI fleet next month: V. Thulsidas

Mumbai: Two of Air India's newly ordered Boeing 777-200 (LR) aircraft would be joining the fleet by next month, V Thulasidas, chief of Air India (AI) said today. Speaking to reporters here, Thulsidas also said that all 10 leased A-310 aircraft would be phased out by 2010.

While two of the A-310's would be returned this year, another five would be sent back to a lessor in 2008.

While the first delivery of the 777-300-ER aircraft is scheduled for August this year, two more deliveries will take place in September and October. Of the total of 25 Boeing 787 Dreamliner's ordered, the airline will take delivery of the first in September next year.

AI is due to acquire eight Boeing 777-200 Long Range (LR), 15 777-300 Extended Range (ER) and 27 787 Dreamliner's. In all, AI is acquiring 68 brand new Boeing aircraft, which will be equipped with the latest in passenger amenities.

According to Thulsidas, with the acquisition of the new aircraft the state-owned carrier will be ranked amongst the top 10 airlines in the Asia Pacific region.