Jet Airways could convert 787-8s on order to -9s

Indian carrier Jet Airways could convert its orders for the Boeing 787-8s to the larger -9 variant.

The carrier's 10 -8s on order are scheduled to be delivered starting 2014, Dinesh Keskar, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' senior vice-president of Asia-Pacific and India sales, tells Flightglobal.

The carrier is, however, considering converting the order to the larger -9s, he says.

"If they do that, there will be a delay. The -9s, however, have better economics for them, so now they are looking at their portfolio," adds Keskar.

Besides the 10 -8s on firm order, Jet also has options for an additional 10 aircraft of the same type.

Over the years, several carriers including Air China, Vietnam Airlines and All Nippon Airways have converted orders for the -8s to the -9s.

The -9 is due to enter flight test in 2013, followed by entry into service in early 2014.