Jet Airways orders 17 Boeing 737s

WASHINGTON: Jet Airways has converted its options to buy Boeing 737 mid-range from the US aircraft manufacturer into a purchase agreement.

"Jet Airways of India has placed order for 17 Boeing 737 aircraft," a spokesman of Boeing told PTI here.

The spokesman, however, did not give any further detail, saying that it is up to the Jet Airways to make the announcement.

Indian aviation industry sources said the premier private carrier could have converted its options to acquire 10 of these planes into purchase agreements.

The airline, which had given firm orders almost four years ago for 11 Boeing 737-800s with options to buy ten more, had received the first of these planes in September last year.

As per list prices, the deal is likely to be around USD 1.4 billion. However, airlines generally negotiate for major concessions from the makers.

Jet Airways spokespersons were not available for comments.

The sources said the airline could also convert its wide -body aircraft order to acquire more narrow-body ones. However, there was no confirmation on the issue.

The new Boeing 737-800s, for which additional orders have been placed, have significantly quieter cabin and are fitted with a decor called Sky Interior which has inspired shape, color, décor and texture.

The LED lighting, fitted in the new aircraft, can portray different color schemes like a soft blue sky and a relaxing pallet of sunset colours.