Air India (AI, Delhi International) has reportedly shelved plans to convert outstanding B787-8 delivery slots into B787-9s. Under the terms of its 2005 contract with Boeing (BOE, Washington National) for twenty-seven B787-8s, Air India has model substitution rights and as such, initiated formal discussions with the Americans about the change at the end of last year.

However, according to sources who spoke to The Hindu newspaper, the state-backed carrier's board has now rejected the move.

“Air India had put across its proposal to acquire five Boeing 787-9 in lieu of Boeing 787-8s to its Board recently. But the board did not accept it (the proposal),” an official source said.

The move would have affected Air India's last six outstanding B787-8 hulls which Boeing has yet to deliver.