Mumbai: State-owned airline Air India plans to ground and scrap 14 ageing aircraft from its Airbus A320 fleet after March, when it expects to replace them with new cost-effective planes, a senior executive of the airline told FE on Tuesday.
The A320s, which will be grounded and scrapped, are 22-23 years old. Apart from high maintenance costs, these aircraft are much below par in fuel efficiency compared with the new planes that the airline plans to lease and introduce to its fleet.
Five leased aircraft (A319s) currently in the airlines’ stable, which are 5-7 years old, and whose lease expires in the coming months, will also be replaced by new aircraft, the official said adding, “We are looking to lease a total of 19 aircraft to replace the old ones.”
“We are currently in talks with aircraft-leasing companies for new planes. Discussions are on and we hope to reach an agreement soon,” the official added.
Read News In Full 16/09/13 Rhik Kundu/Financial Express
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