New Delhi, June 01: Air India is likely to complete by middle of this month examination of technical bids of two aircraft manufacturers and two engine makers for its plans to acquire 18 planes, official sources said on Sunday. After completion of the evaluation of technical bids, the international flag carrier is likely to take another four weeks to complete the financial evaluation of the bids and the final report was likely to be ready by mid-July, they said.

However, the time by which the airline will be able to place the final orders is still uncertain, they said, adding that the Maharaja would have to await government approval before placing the final orders.

Indian Airlines had submitted its proposal to the government in April last year and was yet to get official nod for acquiring the aircraft.
Air India had last purchased aircraft in 1993 when four Boeing 747-400s were inducted by January 1994. Again in 1996, the airline exercised its options and inducted two more Boeing 747-400s. Since then, Air India has been leasing aircraft to meet its demands. Bureau Report