Mumbai: Air India, the beleaguered national carrier, is apparently 'cannibalising' one of its newer aircraft, reportedly to fit its expensive parts into aircraft of similar make that are to be delivered to Etihad Airways, as part of a five-aircraft sale deed.
Interestingly, the aircraft, 777-200LR VT-ALH Maharashtra, is at present stationed in Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) in Mumbai. As per AI tradition, the Boeing 777 planes in its fleet have been named after the states in the Indian union.
Sources in the aviation industry said the aircraft had been inducted into the AI fleet about five years ago, but was stopped from being flown after it was rumoured to have damaged its under carriage due to a hard landing. However, when contacted an Air India spokesperson did not comment on the issue.
Devesh Agarwal, an aviation enthusiast, plane spotter and blogger, who recently came across the development, said: "Air India should explain as to why it's cannibalizing such a new aircraft. At today's market rate, that plane would cost around Rs 1200 crore. It's sad that a plane which represents Maharashtra is being butchered in the state's capital."
28/03/14 Shahkar Abidi/Daily News & Analysis
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Interestingly, the aircraft, 777-200LR VT-ALH Maharashtra, is at present stationed in Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport (CSIA) in Mumbai. As per AI tradition, the Boeing 777 planes in its fleet have been named after the states in the Indian union.
Sources in the aviation industry said the aircraft had been inducted into the AI fleet about five years ago, but was stopped from being flown after it was rumoured to have damaged its under carriage due to a hard landing. However, when contacted an Air India spokesperson did not comment on the issue.
Devesh Agarwal, an aviation enthusiast, plane spotter and blogger, who recently came across the development, said: "Air India should explain as to why it's cannibalizing such a new aircraft. At today's market rate, that plane would cost around Rs 1200 crore. It's sad that a plane which represents Maharashtra is being butchered in the state's capital."
28/03/14 Shahkar Abidi/Daily News & Analysis
