but one 787 is going to frankfurt. though certain domestic flights which were cancelled for last 4-5 months were reinstated on 1st october.

320's on lease? not even heard a whisper of that. and more importantly, there is no crew to spare!!!

What on earth for?

Starting 15th October. Is Frankfurt a long thin route from delhi?

When it comes to AI, isn't every route thin at best (in terms of moneymaking ability)?

In any event, DEL-FRA is not a route the 787s were ordered for. Just like BOM-DXB is not a route the 77Ls are meant to do.

But then trust AI to fly the wrong aircraft type on the wrong route to lose more money and, therefore, beg for even more. And then blame it all on Prafull and the Tooth Fairy.

well i have my doubts whether 787 will operate FRA on anything other than substitution basis. I think what we will see is the 787 replacing most A321/320 flights to SEA and Middle East freeing up capacity for domestic market. Some new routes which are long on the horizon like Kenya/NBO and Osaka may open up but thats about it.

Some may say that 787 is not designed for 4/5 hour flights to ME and SEA. But let us understand that even on these routes it burns much lesser fuel and carries more passengers/cargo alsothan the aircraft it replaces (A310/321). So it may be a good thing.

Also, the 787 will be to AI what the A330 is to Emirates: used like route opener which then will transition to bigger plane like 77W. Its the 77L that is out of place: AI should consider exchanging the 5 77L for equal number of 77W.

I'm sorry I don't agree.

If anything AI should do, it is to die. Immediately.

DEL-FRA is a familiarization route (Stage 2). It will commence sometime next week and continue until it's time for MEL/SYD to launch.

What is it that AI needs to do that it cannot with 77L? It's not like it's a darling of Indian flyers. It might loose it's (un) preferred status, given that people are beginning to complain about Jet too.

There is a realisation that the 77W is performing better in service than what was expected originally. I dont remember the figures now, nor can I vouch for accuracy, but I remember being told that 77W can operate BOM-JFK non-stop with a load restriction of 35 seats on one way, and unrestricted on the return. ANd the fuel burn figures for the 77W and 77L are roughly the same on this sector. In any case the DEL-JFK and DEL-EWR can operate without restriction on 77W?

The 77W has the advantage of extra capacity over the 77L in addition to being more flexible. Given that, i think its no surprise that the airlines are going for the 77W.

So rumour has it that Lalaji choose to fly Emirates between Dubai and Dilly today, instead of taking a JetNasty flight at around the same time.

A clear sign (not that we needed any more) of Jet having lost their touch?

Or maybe Naresh Lalaji tried to redeem his JetPunishment points and the JetChild told him "sorry sir, no availability for the next 330 days, but we're happy to let you use your points to fly a better airline for less money."

Really, if you're going to step out, at least let it be something worth cheating for. EK don't seem to be that much better than Jet - that's like cheating on Mayawati with Jayalalithaaaah. Shows how little Lalaji thinks of his airline.

Jetuna Matata!

Did you ever consider the possibility that there were no J seats available on the Jet flight? :)

Supposedly (per an enthusiast who checked) there was availability in J and Y was wide open.

But that's not the point. What sort of message is he sending when, as founder chairman, he is seen flying the competition on the same route where Jet have a flight at similar timings?

He has good taste ;)

+1 ^

(Actually Jet has pathetic 737's running this route, so no First!) :p

And the last time he was on one of my domestic flights (seat in front of me in Premiere), he hid in the cockpit...

Even their premiere is domestic seats.

Tried GF recently and their A320's are fab. Give them a shot if you get a chance. Fully flat bed.