Kozhikode: As part of its expansion drive and to bring the national carrier on par with top airlines in the world, Air India plans to acquire 68 more passenger planes in a phased manner.
"The massive expansion program will begin once the Rs 700 crore project, already cleared by the Public Investment Board, gets the Union Cabinet's clearance," A-I chairman and managing director V. Tulsidas said on Tuesday.
Boeing had agreed to deliver 28 B-787 planes with a seating capacity of 350-375 passengers by 2008, he added.
Noting that the Company had recorded 25 per cent growth in the last four years with a net profit of Rs 96.6 crore during 2004-05, he said it had also filled the existing vacancies for pilot posts through fresh appointments.
Air India has proposed to employ 700 more pilots and 1000 cabin crew and flight engineers in the next seven years.
The plan was formulated as part of Air India's corporate vision to enable the carrier to compete with world players and also to boost its image.
Air India was also considering launching a flight to Europe (Frankfurt or London) from Kerala via Bangalore but the airport from where the flight will be launched would be decided later.
Earlier, Union Minister of State for External Affairs, E. Ahamed flagged off the Calicut-Sharjah flight of Air India Express.
Keeping in sync with the international trend, Thulasidas had said in September that he favoured the merger of Air India with Indian Airlines.
The merger would help both the companies in reducing costs, avoiding duplication, and have tremendous complimentarities for both, he added.
Experts feel that the merger might take place before the proposed public issue of the international carrier with Indian Airlines.
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