JOIN USDownplaying the grounding of Boeing 787 Dreamliners due to safety issues, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Senior Vice President Sales (Asia Pacific & India) Dinesh Keskar said Air India had completed 485 commercial flights and 1,580 flying hours without facing any issues with its aircraft.
However, when questioned on Air India grounding the aircraft and putting the entire fleet on Sale Lease Back (SLB), besides seeking compensation, Keskar, ducked the question, while also declining to comment on Dreamliner’s safety.
Despite the grounding hiccup, Boeing, he said, was buoyant about the Indian aviation market.
“By 2031, India will be world’s fourth largest economy. In next 20 years, India will require 1,450 airplanes, 1,201 of them single aisle and 234 twin aisle.
‘No room for Airbus 380’
That will account for 4.3 per cent of world market. But there will be no room for aircraft such as Airbus 380.”
Keskar also chose to promote the 737 Max aircraft, company’s new offering that promised much improved fuel efficiency over 737-800. “Jet Airways, SpiceJet and Air India are candidates for this aircraft because they all fly Boeing 737-800s,” he added.
On Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul facility being built by Boeing in Nagpur, he said 90 per cent of construction was over with final launch expected by second quarter after Director General Civil Aviation (DGCA) certification.
The Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul will be equipped with two 100m X 100m hangars, each with capacity to house a wide-bodied aircraft.