Boeing, which has 110 aircraft on its order book for India, has said it does not have immediate delivery plans. The total order valued at Rs 15,000 crore is to be delivered in the next five years. Dinesh A Keskar, sales senior vice-president (commercial aircraft) said a few aircraft though will be delivered around May next year.
The company would mainly supply 737, 777, and 787 aircraft to Air India and Jet Airways among others. Air India currently has 27 Boeing aircraft while Jet has 10 in its fleet. The order backlog for aviation companies across the world stood at 3,500 aircraft valued at $275 billion, said Keskar, who is here to attend India Aviation 2008, the first-ever civil aviation expo in India. The four-day event begins here from tomorrow. Commenting on the aviation scenario in general, he said there had been a drastic reduction in the number of people wanting to travel.
"People are more worried about their money in the banks. The focus is on protecting money and not on travelling," he said hinting at a 10% drop in passenger capacities in all countries including India in recent times. The turmoil has deepened due to high fuel costs. "We are focussing on alliances for cost cutting," he said on the expected outcome of the aviation show.
Earlier, walking the media through the hangers being made for the aviation show, Arun Mishra, joint secretary, Civil Aviation Ministry, said the expo would be the launchpad to make India an aviation hub in terms of passenger growth and allied businesses like ground handling, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility and cargo.
"Though there is a slowdown in the aviation sector, India will be a favourable destination for many," he added. About 35 chief executive officers of various companies will discuss their future plans for India and also policy issues with the government officials on the first three days. Mishra said among other transactions National Aviation Company India was likely to ink a joint venture agreement with EADS of France for an MRO facility.
As a precursor to the show, the Indian Air Force will showcase its prowess with a flying display. The Aero Club of India will perform parasailing, parajumping and hot air ballooning. An A319, a new Airbus from Germany, will reach Hyderabad on October 15 and will be inducted into the fleet of Air India. About 200 exhibitors including Airbus, Boeing, EADS, HAL, BEL, Rolls Royce and others will participate. The exhibition will be open for public on October 18.