Civil aviation minister Ajit Singh has said that
Boeing is liable to compensate Air India (AI) for the grounding of
787 Dreamliner passenger jets on safety issues.
"Air India would be entitled to some compensation but this can be discussed with Boeing when the time comes. These problems will entitle Air India some reimbursement but first let us get some clarity on the problem," he told reporters here on Friday.
The minister ruled out pruning the delivery of 21 more Dreamliners. "First, let us get some clarity as to what is the problem and how long it will take to rectify it. Boeing has most of its orders for Dreamliners, which number around 800. They have worked over ten years to develop this aircraft," the minister said.
Singh on Thursday had said that Boeing has to come up with a plan for the US aviation regulator Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to test all electrical system and batteries. "When that plan comes up, we will also test them but basically first FAA has to approve that they are safe to fly," Singh had said.
Poland's state-controlled LOT Airlines had said that it would seek compensation from Boeing for grounding the jets. AI expects an interim report from Boeing and FAA in a day or two on their probe into the technical problems faced by Dreamliner aircraft, all 50 of which have been grounded across the globe.
"We expect, at least, a preliminary or an interim report from the manufacturer and FAA in a couple of days which might show us the way ahead," airline sources said here. A team from Boeing has started inspecting the six AI Dreamliners to rectify the problems.
Regarding compensation from Boeing, AI had said that it is an issue but the airline is not considering it right now.
Courtesy: Mail Today
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