Air India places $11 billion order for 68 Boeing aircraft

Air India places $11 billion order for 68 Boeing aircraft    Air India yesterday held a signing ceremony at its Mumbai headquarters for 68 aircraft from Boeing, valued at more than $11 billion at list prices.
   The order is the largest in ever placed by an Indian airline, and consists of 23 777 planes, 27 787-8 “Dreamliners” and 18 737-800s designated for Air India’s wholly-owned subsidiary Air India Express. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in November.
   Air India is the first Southeast Asian airline to order the 787 aircraft, designed as a long-range jet capable of carrying 200 to 300 people on routes between 3,500 and 8,500 nautical miles (6,500 to 16,000 kilometers).
   During the ceremony Boeing committed to investing in a regional maintenance, repair and overhaul base, and a pilot training facility in India, with details to be finalized over the coming months.