As Air India’s woes multiply on account of deliveries of new aircraft which it now wants to trim, help may come from an unexpected quarter — from the Sultan of Brunei. Orders for six Boeing aircraft which the airline wanted to scrap, and Boeing remained adamant on having it delivered, may now find a taker in the Brunei royal palace.

Senior officials told The Indian Express that the Brunei Sultan, Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, has expressed interest in taking on dry lease at least two-three of these aircraft — Boeing 777s — for his oil-rich country’s national airline, Royal Brunei. The airline, which operates a fleet of six Boeing B767-300s, two Airbus A320s and two Airbus A319s, has been adding aircraft to its fleet over the past few years.

The Sultan, a trained pilot, leads a lavish lifestyle and owns a Boeing 747-400 furnished with gold-plated furniture (with an estimated value of $233 million including $3 million on furniture), six smaller planes and two helicopters. His personal collection includes 500 Rolls-Royce — the largest collection in the world, according to the Guinness World Records.

Talks between Air India and the Brunei Sultan have been initiated by Boeing which was told to look for lessees after it refused to cancel the aircraft order. “Air India is negotiating the terms and conditions for this lease and Boeing is facilitating the agreement,” said officials.

Air India is trying to reach an arrangement with the Sultan whereby aircraft repayments are taken care of in form of negotiated lease rentals. “The Sultan has shown interest in taking on lease two-three aircraft, but we will be happy to lease out more if required. The lease period is expected to be between two-three years,” said the source.

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