Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh said the aircraft would not be taken till Air India and Boeing clinched the compensation package for the nearly four-year delay in delivery of the Dreamliner, though official sources said a decision on the matter would be taken shortly "at the competent level", indicating the Union Cabinet.
"We will not be in a position to take delivery of the aircraft as the compensation package for the delay in delivery of the plane has not been decided as of now," Singh told reporters here.
Air India's Board had yesterday held a detailed discussion on the issue of compensation, including the amount to be claimed and how. It had then decided to forward its decision to the government for approval.
The national carrier had placed an order to buy 27 B-787s and 41 B-777s in 2005 and as per the original schedule, the US aircraft maker was to commence delivery of these aircraft from September, 2008. Delivery of the Dreamliners was delayed due to various factors, including labour trouble in Boeing.
The sources said the compensation package would not mean Boeing writing a cheque to Air India, but the most likely process, which is yet to be finalised, would be to adjust the price with the delivery of each aircraft. (More)