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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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rutvij Member
Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 1390 Location: Skies of Fire!
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Posted: Fri Apr 18, 2014 1:03 am Post subject: |
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VT-ALH has low flight cycles alright, but that doesn't mean it isn't in a sale-able condition. As evident in the attached aircraft specs LOPA document:
Under heading 'Maintenance Satus':
Next Major Check --> Under Check (rest 2 aircraft major checks due in Q2 and Q3 2015) |
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Nimish Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 9757 Location: Bangalore, India
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2014 10:08 am Post subject: |
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Good - esp. if they are unable to use them to their full potential. _________________ We miss you Nalini! |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2014 2:27 pm Post subject: |
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http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/boeing-777-fire-sale-haunts-air-india/1/205345.html
Boeing 777 fire sale haunts Air India
April 19, 2014
After having sold its five new Boeing 777-200 LR aircraft at a throwaway price, Air India (AI) does not expect to do any better with the sale of next three similar widebodied jets. A top AI official told Mail Today on Friday, "We are not very sure on how the bids will fare. There are not many airlines using these planes. We are also largely hoping on leasing aviation companies to participate in the global bidding for our planes.'' AI chairman and managing director Rohit Nandan said, "I hope this time we do not face problems like we did during the sale of these planes earlier." Last October, AI worked out a deal with Etihad Airways to sell the five Boeings, which have an average age of six years, for Rs 2,135 crore, which worked out to a meagre Rs 427 crore per plane.
The Maharaja had ordered these jets for Rs 1,300 crore each in 2005.
While AI is determined to discard these planes claiming that they are fuel guzzlers, there are as many as nine international airlines, including Japan Airlines and Etihad, which use them. Etihad flies the five planes bought from AI to Europe and the US. The competitive global bidding, released on April 17, will close on May 12 and opened a day later. While commercial bids for these three five-year-old planes would be opened on May 13, technical bids would be opened at a later date.
_________________ 11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.
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Caliguy Member
Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 723 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2014 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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So does this mean DEL-SFO can never happen or could the 787-9 do it? I've always felt that if AI is going to lose money, it should at least fly routes that will help indian business that other won't fly. Losing money on LHR-BOM is just stupid as it hurts Jet & BA & VS |
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The_Goat Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 3260 Location: South of France
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2014 9:03 pm Post subject: |
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Caliguy wrote: | So does this mean DEL-SFO can never happen or could the 787-9 do it? I've always felt that if AI is going to lose money, it should at least fly routes that will help indian business that other won't fly. Losing money on LHR-BOM is just stupid as it hurts Jet & BA & VS |
DEL-SFO is very much do-able by both the 788 and the 77W. AI should think of it, once the FAA downgrading issue is sorted out. Don't know when (or if) that will ever be, though. _________________ I don't know which is the more pampered bunch : AI's widebodies (the aunties) or Jet's widebodies (the planes).
-Jasepl |
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Spiderguy252 Member
Joined: 10 Aug 2007 Posts: 4259 Location: Indian Ocean
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2014 9:28 pm Post subject: |
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How is it that the 77L was only ever fuel guzzling for AI? Emirates, Etihad, Delta and others use it with little problems overall.
I'm sure it has something to do with putting them to use on nonsensical routes like DEL-NRT/BOM-LHR rather than the DXB-LAX/AUH-GRU that they are actually better suited for.
Even the much ballyhooed debut on BOM and DEL-JFK in 2007 was perfectly possible with existing members of their then fleet, the 747 and the 772. _________________ Yeah. |
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Nimish Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 9757 Location: Bangalore, India
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Posted: Sat Apr 19, 2014 10:14 pm Post subject: |
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Spiderguy252 wrote: | How is it that the 77L was only ever fuel guzzling for AI? Emirates, Etihad, Delta and others use it with little problems overall |
Any plane is fuel guzzling if it flies half empty and without any high-yielding passengers. _________________ We miss you Nalini! |
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The_Goat Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 3260 Location: South of France
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Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 3:33 pm Post subject: |
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Spiderguy252 wrote: | How is it that the 77L was only ever fuel guzzling for AI? Emirates, Etihad, Delta and others use it with little problems overall.
I'm sure it has something to do with putting them to use on nonsensical routes like DEL-NRT/BOM-LHR rather than the DXB-LAX/AUH-GRU that they are actually better suited for.
Even the much ballyhooed debut on BOM and DEL-JFK in 2007 was perfectly possible with existing members of their then fleet, the 747 and the 772. |
This is the same AI that complains about the 744 being a gas guzzler, when BA, VS, DL, KL, CX, QF, LH, TG, OZ, SV and a few others are all flying it happily.
This is also the same AI that complains about inadequate spare parts support for the A320 and A330, two of the most successful and best selling aircraft ever made.
Whine about Gulf carriers, whine about EU carriers, whine about private carriers, whine about fuel prices, whine about CIS carriers, whine, whine, whine, moan, moan, moan.....
Complaining about and criticizing everyone and everything other than themselves is the AI way of life. _________________ I don't know which is the more pampered bunch : AI's widebodies (the aunties) or Jet's widebodies (the planes).
-Jasepl |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 2:06 am Post subject: |
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http://www.financialexpress.com/news/fresh-tender-for-sale-of-three-b777200lrs/1250973
Air India on Wednesday issued a fresh tender for the sale of its three remaining Boeing 777-200LRs in order to invite more bidders to participate and get a better price for the aircraft. The new tender extends the due date for bids to May 28 from May 12. The airline, which sold five of its eight Boeing 777LRs to Etihad in December last year, had initially issued a tender for sale of the remaining three B777 LRs on April 17.
“We believe more bidders want to participate, so the due date for the tender has been extended. It will help us get a price closer to our expectations,” an Air India official said.
Another senior official said that the target this time is to get a better price for each aircraft as compared to what it got in the previous sale. Air India had sold the first five B777LRs to Etihad for about $350 million — that is about $70 million per aircraft, which is far less than the initial purchase price of $110-120 million. Interestingly, even in the last sale Air India had to to issue multiple tenders in order to get enough interest. |
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Jaysit Member
Joined: 19 Dec 2006 Posts: 4346
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Posted: Thu May 15, 2014 10:51 pm Post subject: |
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Oh, don't worry. In about 2 years, AI will start saying that the 787s are fuel guzzlers too. Looks like "fuel guzzler" is a standard part of AI's menu of excuses. In terms of usage it's right up there with "taking AI to its former glory" among the babu-neta blood sucking set.
Meanwhile, every airline in the world from Azerbaijan Airways to Zambia Air will be flying them profitably. |
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xterra Member
Joined: 10 Feb 2007 Posts: 595 Location: DONT KNO
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Posted: Sun May 18, 2014 11:18 pm Post subject: |
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I feel they must put IFE like the ones in 321s and 319s, to make the product uniform. Hope the legroom remains the same as them too.
Recently had a ride in the new AI Dreamliner VT-ANH and loved the new interiors and IFE _________________ ~~~Indian Aviation Photographers~~~ |
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rutvij Member
Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 1390 Location: Skies of Fire!
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Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 6:04 am Post subject: |
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Jaysit wrote: | Oh, don't worry. In about 2 years, AI will start saying that the 787s are fuel guzzlers too. Looks like "fuel guzzler" is a standard part of AI's menu of excuses. In terms of usage it's right up there with "taking AI to its former glory" among the babu-neta blood sucking set.
Meanwhile, every airline in the world from Azerbaijan Airways to Zambia Air will be flying them profitably. |
Bulls-eye!
If they had another low capacity aircraft induction into the fleet by then, that type would be heralded as the game changer.
xterra wrote: | I feel they must put IFE like the ones in 321s and 319s, to make the product uniform. Hope the legroom remains the same as them too. |
You know, beggars can't be choosers!
AI is not SQ or MH to get brand new metal with custom made config from reputed lessors like ILFC/BOC/GECAS, all at its commanded (read ultra low) prices. If they have put up revised tenders for new as well as old A320s, it means that they haven't got substantial bids for the amounts they are looking for, or that the previous similar biddings have had such patterns.
For brand new metal with AI dictated configurations, AI must be able to shell out that much. If AI hasn't been able to update its IFE content for years now, due to cost cutting, I highly doubt they will go for IFE equipped aircraft. In which case, comes out the classic case of AI non-standardness that has been continuing for years. |
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Nimish Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 9757 Location: Bangalore, India
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Posted: Mon May 19, 2014 10:23 am Post subject: |
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On a side note, a friend's family recently few BLR-DEL-JFK return on AI (it was the cheapest fare - even cheaper than the MEB3), and the outbound was 50% full in Y - they got 4 full rows to themselves, and the return was only 25% full in Y - they had 6 full rows to themselves (though only a family of 4). Amazing! _________________ We miss you Nalini! |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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indopaki Member
Joined: 23 Jul 2007 Posts: 479 Location: Pakistan
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Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 12:56 pm Post subject: |
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Why are there no takers from charter airlines? is the LR not a right fit for those. |
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The_Goat Member
Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 3260 Location: South of France
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Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 1:34 pm Post subject: |
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indopaki wrote: | Why are there no takers from charter airlines? is the LR not a right fit for those. |
None of the charter airlines are into ULH routes which require the 77L. _________________ I don't know which is the more pampered bunch : AI's widebodies (the aunties) or Jet's widebodies (the planes).
-Jasepl |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2014 6:23 pm Post subject: |
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http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/ai-keeps-open-option-of-leasing-3-boeing-777200-planes/article6217589.ece
Air India, which has floated bids for the sale of three Boeing 777-200 planes, today said it has kept the option open for leasing them out if it does not get suitable price for them.
“We are open to both the options — outright sale or lease. These planes are uncompetitive for us and there is no point keeping them in the fleet. If you don’t get good prices for these planes, we are ready to put them on dry lease too,” Air India officials said.
“These planes were bought with US Exim Bank funding with a repayment period of up to 12 years. So, if we are unable to sell them and put them on lease, the lease rentals will be utilised to pay back the loans against these aircraft,” the sources said. |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 12:35 am Post subject: |
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http://www.livemint.com/Companies/Ly7geNZXodslfkWKA2PTmL/Etihad-may-take-more-planes-from-Air-India.html
Etihad may take more planes from Air India
Aug 27 2014
Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways PJSC has approached Air India Ltd to lease three planes to help expand its fleet.
Etihad, which has invested in Air India’s rival Jet Airways (India) Ltd, has already bought five long-haul Boeing 777 jets from Air India.
“They also want to lease three more Boeing 777 LRs,” said a government official who declined to be named.
Air India’s three Boeing 777 LRs that used to fly to New York are grounded because the airline has lost a lot of money by flying them.
“They are either parked somewhere or used for Jeddah operations sometimes,” said an Air India executive, who asked not to be named. “Because some people have decided in our company that it is a fuel guzzler. It was just bad configuration perhaps.”
The Etihad spokesman did not offer any comments for the story.
A second government official, however, said that because Etihad is the only bidder, it remains to be seen whether the aircraft can be leased to it or whether Air India will need to invite a fresh tender to get more bidders. Norms dictate that the state-owned airline choose the best bidder.
“Let’s be clear, nobody in the current global scenario will buy these big planes except Middle Eastern carriers. We have to go ahead with what we have with all the checks and balances,” the first government official said. _________________ 11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.
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Nimish Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 9757 Location: Bangalore, India
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Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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^^ Good - hopefully this will force AI MX to get all 3 operational at the same time _________________ We miss you Nalini! |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 5:07 pm Post subject: |
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Nimish wrote: | ^^ Good - hopefully this will force AI MX to get all 3 operational at the same time | I hope so too, Nimish, it is very sad to see `Maharashtra' being in its Christmas Tree state for such a long period of time, at CSIA Mumbai. Right now, at least one B77L is very busy as a Dream)liner Man Friday replacement on a few routes, based at DEL. Post *A entry, with even better loads (especially in the front of the plane as well), will AI be able to make the three B77Ls work for them?
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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abhijith16 Member
Joined: 14 Sep 2010 Posts: 1575 Location: DOH/IXE/MEL
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Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 5:54 pm Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | Nimish wrote: | ^^ Good - hopefully this will force AI MX to get all 3 operational at the same time | I hope so too, Nimish, it is very sad to see `Maharashtra' being in its Christmas Tree state for such a long period of time, at CSIA Mumbai. Right now, at least one B77L is very busy as a Dream)liner Man Friday replacement on a few routes, based at DEL. Post *A entry, with even better loads (especially in the front of the plane as well), will AI be able to make the three B77Ls work for them?
Cheers, Sumantra. |
SUMANTRA SIR!!!!! YOU'RE BACK! _________________ <a><img></a> |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 7:05 am Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | it is very sad to see `Maharashtra' being in its Christmas Tree state for such a long period of time, at CSIA Mumbai. |
VT-ALH is in the process of being repaired in anticipation of being leased out to EY. She should be airworthy soon enough. _________________ 11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 7:36 am Post subject: |
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abhijith16 wrote: | SUMANTRA SIR!!!!! YOU'RE BACK! | Thank you, Sir |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 7:41 am Post subject: |
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747-237 wrote: | VT-ALH is in the process of being repaired in anticipation of being leased out to EY. She should be airworthy soon enough. | It will be a real pleasure seeing this, 747-237. It will make my upcoming 9/11 trip to Mumbai even more worth it. Let me see if I can spot any immediate pleasant changes.
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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Nimish Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 9757 Location: Bangalore, India
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Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 7:31 pm Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | 747-237 wrote: | VT-ALH is in the process of being repaired in anticipation of being leased out to EY. She should be airworthy soon enough. | It will be a real pleasure seeing this, 747-237. It will make my upcoming 9/11 trip to Mumbai even more worth it. Let me see if I can spot any immediate pleasant changes.
Cheers, Sumantra. |
Devesh's blog has the pictures of the current state: http://www.bangaloreaviation.com/2014/08/exclusive-photos-air-india-repairs-newest-boeing-777-200lr-vt-alh-stripped-for-parts.html
It seems like the a/c is ready barring the engines... _________________ We miss you Nalini! |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Tue Sep 02, 2014 9:48 am Post subject: |
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Thanks, Nimish: even a dry lease should work well for AI. |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2014 5:50 am Post subject: |
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http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/companies/air-india-in-advanced-talks-with-etihad-to-lease-3-boeing-777s/
Air India in advanced talks with Etihad to lease 3 Boeing 777s
November 6, 2014
Air India is in advanced talks for leasing three of its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft to Etihad Airways as it looks to save on interest and principal repayment as well as maintenance costs.
“We have got an offer from Etihad to lease them these aircraft for seven years,” a senior Air India official told FE.
“We are still evaluating the offer and are in discussions with them (Etihad). A decision will soon be taken in this regard,” the official added without elaborating on the size of the deal.
“This time around, we will be leasing the planes for seven years and not selling them,” the senior official mentioned above said. _________________ 11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.
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Nimish Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 9757 Location: Bangalore, India
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Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2014 12:11 am Post subject: |
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I hope AI does not turn around in a few months and try and lease some new wide bodies for itself! _________________ We miss you Nalini! |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2014 4:49 pm Post subject: |
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http://online.wsj.com/articles/air-india-is-reconsidering-plan-to-sell-long-range-jets-1417086499?tesla=y&mg=reno64-wsj
Air India is Reconsidering Plan to Sell Long-Range Jets
Nov. 27, 2014
Air India Ltd. is reconsidering plans to sell more of the long-range aircraft which it rarely uses as its executives are concerned they could be accused of corruption if any politician claimed that the jets were sold at the wrong price.
The money-losing, state-run national carrier sold five of its eight Boeing 777-200 jetliners to Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways last year as it had decided it needed the cash and not the jets.
It got about 4.2 billion rupees ($69 million) per aircraft. The deal at the time was criticized by India’s former federal auditor and others who said Etihad had somehow been given a sweetheart deal at below market rates.
Air India executives would now rather just lease out the planes than expose themselves to criticism and possible prosecution in the future.
“We don’t want investigators to come knocking on our doors after some years to ask whether we made the right decision,” said a senior Air India executive who asked not to be named.
_________________ 11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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jbalonso777 Member
Joined: 05 Jul 2012 Posts: 1501 Location: Never, never land
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Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 7:35 am Post subject: |
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From the link:
Quote: | The airline sold five of these Boeing 777-200 LR planes to Jet Airways late last year at throwaway prices |
Again, wow. _________________ http://www.youtube.com/c/JishnuBasu777 |
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Nimish Member
Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 9757 Location: Bangalore, India
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Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2014 10:31 am Post subject: |
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Perhaps AI should reconfigure these in a high density Y heavy layout? Or innovate with a Y+ (current Y seating) and a Y+ (new 3-4-3 seating) and remove F/ reduce J? Such planes could be used easily on regional intl routes as well. _________________ We miss you Nalini! |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 9:22 pm Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | 747-237 wrote: | VT-ALH is in the process of being repaired in anticipation of being leased out to EY. She should be airworthy soon enough. | It will be a real pleasure seeing this, 747-237. It will make my upcoming 9/11 trip to Mumbai even more worth it. Let me see if I can spot any immediate pleasant changes. |
Sumantra, you'll be thrilled to know she is back in the air again. _________________ 11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2015 11:10 pm Post subject: |
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747-237 wrote: | Sumantra, you'll be thrilled to know she is back in the air again. | Sure: I guess you missed my post in another thread! `Maharashtra' was stored for some time after being repaired. AI are extensively using their wide-bodies for Cat-IIIB operations from DEL, and to handle some excessively heavy loads, on some routes.
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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Caliguy Member
Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 723 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Tue Jan 13, 2015 2:43 am Post subject: |
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Nimish wrote: |
Perhaps AI should reconfigure these in a high density Y heavy layout? Or innovate with a Y+ (current Y seating) and a Y+ (new 3-4-3 seating) and remove F/ reduce J? Such planes could be used easily on regional intl routes as well. |
That's exactly what they should do - No F, and add Y+ (i.e. keep current coach) and then a crammed in Y. Fly DEL-SFO with it. |
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747-237 Member
Joined: 11 Jun 2007 Posts: 11363 Location: Gordon Gekko's Boardroom
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Posted: Mon Jun 15, 2015 4:55 pm Post subject: |
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http://www.financialexpress.com/article/industry/companies/air-india-plans-to-sell-3-boeing-777-aircraft/84746/
Air India plans to sell 3 Boeing 777 aircraft
June 15, 2015
In its efforts to reduce debt, state-owned Air India is looking for buyers for its three Boeing 777-200 LR wide-body aircraft, civil aviation ministry officials said.
The national carrier owns 15 Boeing 777s, which includes 12 B777-300 ER. Though pilots complain that the 777s are grounded and unutilised, and insured at very high costs, civil aviation officials refute such claims. “All Boeing 777 planes are in use, but still there are three 777-200 LR aircraft that are up for sale or lease,” the officials said.
In total, Air India has 27 wide-body aircraft typically used for international flights and in-between important destinations like Delhi and Mumbai.
Experts said that sale of aircraft will release some burden from the airlines. “It is better to run the planes on lease than letting it remain unutilised,” said an aviation analyst.
Earlier, the Air India management was alleged to have put six of the aircraft out-of-service, and insuring them at high cost. But ministry officials said that insuring the aircraft is a regular practice, and all aircraft are insured against both own damages and third party risks.
_________________ 11000 posts (and counting) on Airliners-India.
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Tue Jun 16, 2015 8:27 am Post subject: |
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Too many confusing signals for (the different parts of?) Air India:
- AI planning to open new destinations in the US (IAH/IAD/DEN/SFO), while JFK continues to be a sore thumb
- AI will not convert the options on the Dream)liners to get B789s in place of B788s
- AI will possibly get 10 or 9 B738NGs for IX in place of the three remaining B77Ws
- AI plans to still sell off the B77Ls
- AI mulls over a pre-clearance at BOM (for AI 191: EWR) and DEL (for AI 101: JFK/127: ORD), and extending the line of thought, more US destinations
Now, AI has/had 5th freedom rights in LHR/BKK/KUL/HKG. Are they planning to use these rights to go into more US markets, using the existing B77W/B788 combination?
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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Caliguy Member
Joined: 14 Nov 2007 Posts: 723 Location: Los Angeles
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2015 6:52 pm Post subject: |
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sumantra wrote: | Too many confusing signals for (the different parts of?) Air India:
- AI planning to open new destinations in the US (IAH/IAD/DEN/SFO), while JFK continues to be a sore thumb
- AI will not convert the options on the Dream)liners to get B789s in place of B788s
- AI will possibly get 10 or 9 B738NGs for IX in place of the three remaining B77Ws
- AI plans to still sell off the B77Ls
- AI mulls over a pre-clearance at BOM (for AI 191: EWR) and DEL (for AI 101: JFK/127: ORD), and extending the line of thought, more US destinations
Now, AI has/had 5th freedom rights in LHR/BKK/KUL/HKG. Are they planning to use these rights to go into more US markets, using the existing B77W/B788 combination?
Cheers, Sumantra. |
Why dont they switch JFK to a 787? As far as other us cities they should just start sfo-del-blr and then see how that goes. As i have said before if AI is going to lose money atleast lose on an important business route like sfo which helps the indian economy (rather than bhx-amritser like some people ask for). At a max del-iah but that's it. Denver will never happen nor should it. Why oh why wont they convert the 787 to 789??? Can any insider find out it makes no sense. |
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sumantra Member
Joined: 28 Oct 2007 Posts: 4685 Location: New Delhi
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Posted: Wed Jun 17, 2015 7:19 pm Post subject: |
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Caliguy wrote: | Why dont they switch JFK to a 787? | The 788 can't. AC will try the 789 on the YYZ-DEL route, and AI could have used the 789's better economics on the JFK route, which currently bleeds the airline, on an average.
Caliguy wrote: | As far as other us cities they should just start sfo-del-blr and then see how that goes. As i have said before if AI is going to lose money atleast lose on an important business route like sfo which helps the indian economy | I do not think that SFO still not viable in the current economic climate, even with today's fuel prices. However, SFO seems on Air India's radar right now, hence my guess about a 5th freedom flight, possibly via HKG. However, the UA code-shares need to be worked out well. I still have my doubts on SFO-India doing well on O&D alone. O&D has worked well for ORD and EWR.
Caliguy wrote: | (rather than bhx-amritser like some people ask for). |
It did surprisingly well, initially, in spite of the huge political pressure to get the route going. This has the potential to work out.
Caliguy wrote: | At a max del-iah but that's it. | I am not even sure about IAH: I was just quoting the AI announcement in the papers. From the comfort of my armchair, the IAH-India traffic is completely dominated by EK.
Caliguy wrote: | Denver will never happen nor should it. |
I have my doubts on DEN as well: I was just quoting the news.
Caliguy wrote: | Why oh why wont they convert the 787 to 789? | I guess you missed my armchair enthusiast's lament on the other thread.
Cheers, Sumantra. |
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