Deliveries of Dreamliner aircraft to Air India (AI) will begin only once the compensation issue is settled between AI and Boeing, aviation minister Ajit Singh said on Tuesday.
The Cabinet is likely to take a final decision on the compensation amount to be sought from Boeing for the delayed deliveries. AI had slapped a compensation claim of around $850 million on Boeing after which there were many rounds of talks between the two sides.
AI had placed an order for 27 B-787 Dreamliners. The first such aircraft was to be delivered in September 2008. None has been delivered so far.
“We will not be in a position to take delivery of the aircraft as the compensation package for the delay in delivery of the plane has not been decided,” said Singh.
The AI board has decided to refer the compensation issue to the government.
Meanwhile, the aviation ministry said in a statement that demands of striking pilots would be considered only if they report back to duty unconditionally.