Air India has taken delivery of the first 787 Dreamliner at Boeing’s final assembly facility in South Carolina, ending a lengthily dispute between the Indian flag carrier and US aircraft maker over compensation for a production delay.
The delivery marked the end of a four-year production delay, which was held up further as Air India and Boeing worked out a compensation agreement, which had to be approved by the Indian Government.
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India’s aviation ministry demanded Boeing provide compensation of around $1bn to Air India for the production delay. Boeing rejected the fee but has since settled it for an undisclosed amount.
The airline ordered 27 Dreamliners in 2005 to replace its heavy fuel-consuming aircraft to cut down costs and turn around its ailing operations.
Using 20% less fuel compared with planes of a similar size, the 787 Dreamliner is considered to be among the most fuel-efficient aircraft.
Equipped with 18 business class and 238 economy class seats, the aircraft can accommodate up to 256 passengers.
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By GlobalDataAir India’s 787 Dreamliner is considered to be the first mid-size aircraft capable of flying long-range routes without stopping for up to 15,000km.
Made primarily of lightweight carbon fibre materials, which is resistant to fatigue and corrosion, the new aircraft is lighter compared with standard aluminium widebody jets.
Air India chairman and managing director Rohit Nandan said that the new airplane would enable the airline to open new routes and offer the best in-flight experience for passengers.
The Indian flag carrier plans to expand its international operations and initially use the jets to fly on routes to Australia and Western Europe.
In 2011, Air India issued a request for loans to buy first seven Dreamliners, with each airplane estimated at $110m.
Image: Air India’s 787 Dreamliner taking off from Boeing’s South Carolina delivery facility. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.
