Gulf Carriers Eye Boeing, Airbus Jets As Air India Weighs Delays

Gulf Carriers Eye Boeing, Airbus Jets As Air India Weighs Delays: Airlines in the Persian Gulf are seeking earlier delivery slots for Boeing and Airbus aircraft amid Air India’s consideration of potentially postponing some orders, according to sources familiar with the matter. People said Etihad Airways and Saudi Arabia’s Saudia are discussing delivery positions as early as 2029 and 2030, with negotiations described as preliminary and not finalized. One source added that Etihad is close to securing roughly half a dozen near-term Boeing 787 Dreamliner slots currently held by Air India. Air India’s spokesperson said the carrier has not deferred any aircraft orders or delivery slots and that its fleet modernization remains on track. The airline did not comment on whether discussions are underway with manufacturers. Boeing and Airbus said they do not comment on customer delivery pipelines. Air India previously acquired more than 50 Boeing 737 MAX jets and Airbus A350 widebodies.