TBM Staff - Mumbai Akasa Air has said its operational plans remain on track but Air India Express could see delays in its deliveries with Boeing detecting issues in the manufacture of Boeing 737 Max aircraft, reports Aneesh Phadnis for Business Standard.
Akasa Air began operations last August and has 19 737 Max planes in its fleet.
“We have one planned delivery between April and September this year. Accordingly, our 20th aircraft is expected by June and our operating plans are still on track,” it said in a statement.
Air India Express operates 26 737NG aircraft now. As per plans the airline was expected to receive its first 737 Max plane in July but delivery may be delayed, a source said. The Air India’s no frill brand is preparing to receive 13 planes till next March but may receive fewer planes now, he added. These planes are part of the 190 737 Max planes Air India ordered in February.
SpiceJet has 18 737 Max planes including five leased from a Turkish airline Corendon. Both Air India Express and SpiceJet did not offer comments.
Aircraft producer Boeing has said it will have to defer deliveries after being notified of a non-standard manufacturing process used in installation of two fittings in the fuselage of the aircraft.
While this will not impact safety and in-service fleet can continue to operate, the issue will likely affect a significant number of Boeing 737 aircraft both in production and in storage, the US plane maker has told airlines
Boeing and its suppliers are working along with the US Federal Aviation Administration to address the issue. Inspection of the fittings will be carried out and replacement will be done if necessary.
