Article Posted on : - Sep 10, 2011

Boeing 787 jet.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Air India may review the delivery of 30 aircraft, including 27 Boeing 787s which are yet to be delivered, in the wake of its poor financial condition.

"So far, only 20 of 50 wide-bodied aircraft have been delivered to Air India. The issue of remaining 30 wide-body aircraft for acquisition will be assessed in light of current financial situation of the company," an official said here.

The ailing airline does not have the money to pay and "we cannot go begging all the time. It is difficult,” the official, who did not wish to be identified, said.

There were 27 Boeing 787 aircraft to be delivered but it has been delayed by three years. So, the government has not confirmed (the orders) as of now, officials said.

The statement came in the backdrop of the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General, which castigated the government for placing big aircraft orders, the merger of the two state-owned airlines and on other issues.

Air India had ordered acquisition of 111 aircraft, of which 27 were Boeing 787s long haul wide-bodied aircraft.

The American aircraft manufacturer was supposed to have delivered the 787s by 2008, but due to delays caused by several factors including a strike by Boeing workers, the first of these planes are likely to be inducted by Air India this year-end.

As of March, Air India has accumulated a debt of Rs 42,570 crore and an operating loss of Rs 22,000 crore.