The US aircraft maker Boeing is eyeing orders from Jet Airways, SpiceJet and Air India Express for it latest aircraft 737 MAX, which has winglets that helps reduce fuel consumption by an additional 1.5 per cent.
"SpiceJet, Jet Airways and Air India Express are the three target customers for the new Boeing 737 MAX planes, which already have 737 engines. We think this airplane can further enhance their profitability," said Dinesh Keskar, Senior Vice- President (Sales, Asia Pacific and India) of Boeing while talking about 737 MAX aircraft.
The 737 MAX is the latest aircraft from the US-based manufacturer, which consumes 14 per cent less fuel and has 40 per cent more noise reduction. “737 MAX is scheduled to make its first flight in 2016 and deliveries to the first customers are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2017,” informed Keskar.
When asked about whether the company stands by the forecast that India will require about 1,450 aircraft over the next 20 years, Keskar said: “Boeing is bullish on Indian market and forecast does not change because of difficulties in the market," Keskar said, adding that Boeing had 8,098 firm orders from 134 airlines and leasing companies for the plane”.
Talking about Dreamliner, Keskar expressed concern over recurring glitches on the plane while at the same time insisting that it was a machine which had never caused issues with the safety of passengers.
"We are concerned (about the problems with Dreamliner). It's a machine, we did our best to design it... But something happens.But it is a safe airplane, it has never caused issues with the safety of passengers," he said.