Boeing said it was in talks with Jet Airways for selling its 747-8 airplanes to the Indian carrier. “We are negotiating (the deal) with Jet Airways. We expect orders from them for 747-8, which is our latest airplane. Air-India is also interested in the same aircraft, but it will take time for A-I to place another order,” he told the Press Trust of India.

The yet to be launched 747-8 programme is touted as Boeing’s answer to rival Airbus’ A380 aircraft.

In 2005, Boeing had bagged orders for 98 airplanes including a firm order for 68 aircraft from Air-India, valued at Rs 350 billion ($7.89 billion). Jet Airways and SpiceJet too had placed firm orders for 30 Boeing aircraft in 2005.

Boeing, which had last year forecast that Indian carriers will buy 492 aircraft for about US$36 billion over the next 20 years, will revise its outlook in June this year, Keskar said.
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