The Hindu Business Line : Nov, a landmark month for IA

THE month of November seems to be lucky for the state-owned Indian Airlines (IA). During the month, the airline notched a first - the launch of the longest non-stop international flight between Delhi and Singapore.

Besides, in the coming days, the delivery schedule and interiors of the 43-aircraft that the airline plans to purchase will also be frozen. Sources indicated that teams are already working to finalise various specifications, whether there should be seating in a single or dual class in some of the aircraft that are being purchased. The airline is to finalise these details before it calls officials of the European aircraft manufacturer Airbus Industrie to sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will specify various details, including the delivery schedule for the aircraft. The signing ceremony that will take place here is scheduled within the next few weeks, sources said.

In addition, during the month, the airline will also have the honour of being the first from India to operate an Airbus A-319 aircraft. The first of the five aircraft that the airline is to lease is scheduled to arrive here later this month and begin flying operations soon thereafter. The induction of the new aircraft will also see a re-branding exercise for the A-319 aircraft, including possibly a new name being given to the fleet.

During the month, the airline will also start the process of selecting the variety of wide-body aircraft it should lease. IA is already in the market for leasing up to 12 aircraft and is to choose from the Airbus A-310-300, A-330 and A-340, apart from the Boeing 777 and B-767 Extended Range (ER) version. The induction of these aircraft could see the airline's route network expand into new territories in Europe and Saudi Arabia. The airline not only plans to utilise these aircraft to expand operations to existing destinations in East Asia, but it is also examining the option of operating to some new cities there.

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