Wednesday, April 27 2005 08:02 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Mumbai: Boeing yesterday (Apr 26, 2005) scored over its arch European rival Airbus by securing Air-India order for 50 jets in a deal worth over $ 6.5 billion (Rs 30,000 crore).

Though, the deal value (for order to Boeing) was slightly higher than that of Airbus offer, the US aircraft maker bagged the order based on its projection for lower fuel, maintenance cost and higher revenues, A-I sources said in Mumbai last night.

The acquisition plan for Air-India has been under consideration for last 10 years. The last aircraft was inducted in A-I more than a decade ago, sources said.

The much delayed fleet acquisition plan for eight Boeing 777-200 LR (Long Range), 15 Boeing 777-300 ER (Extended Range) and 27 Boeing 787, which is under production and due to be flown in 2008, was based on recommendations of the in-house techno-economic committee appointed for examining the bids.

The fleet plan has been reviewed after the new Government took over in May last year (2004) and Union Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel had asked Air-India to have a re-look at the plans, they added.

Both the US and French Governments have been pitching in for the bid with the Indian Government as the deal was considered crucial specially after the Indian Airlines opted for 43 mixed fleet of Airbus aircraft, which is awaiting the approval of the Cabinet.

This is the second major order won by Boeing. On Monday (Apr 25, 2005), Air Canada announced firm orders for 32 Boeing wide-bodied jets in a deal worth $ 6 billion. These include 18 Boeing 777 jets and 14 of Boeing's newest 787 Dreamliner jets.