Jet finalises order for 10 Boeing aircraft

Jet Airways has finalised an order to purchase 10 large commercial aircraft from Boeing Co at $2.53 billion. The deliveries of the 777-300ER planes are slated to begin by early 2007.

The order was placed at the Paris Air Show in June, a Boeing release said here. Jet Airways has drawn up plans to expand its international operations in Asia, US and Europe.

"It is important that Jet Airways takes the necessary steps to ensure its leadership position in the fast-expanding Indian aviation market. I am confident that the operating efficiencies and passenger comfort of Boeing 777 will help to ensure the success and profitability of our growing route structure and play a pivotal role in our long-haul strategy," Jet Airways chairman Naresh Goyal said.

During the air show, the carrier had committed to acquire at least 20 Boeing planes, including 10 wide-bodied 777s. It had also placed an order for 10 aircraft with Boeing's rival Airbus Industrie with option to buy 10 more. The long-haul planes were to be delivered from 2006 through 2009.

The induction of these 40 aircraft into its fleet would make the carrier one of the largest in the country. In 2007, six additional Boeing 737-800s would join the airline's fleet.

Jet Airways currently operate a fleet of 39 Classic and Next-Generation Boeing 737-400, 737-700, 737-800 and 737-900 aircraft. Jet Airways operates 275 flights to 47 destinations both in India and abroad, including Colombo, Kathmandu, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and London.

The Boeing 777-3000 ER is a twin-engine commercial airplane, while the 777 is one of the most preferred planes in the world. To date, Boeing has delivered over 5,20,777 aircraft.

(This correspondent's trip is sponsored by Boeing)