Jet Airways has converted its options to buy mid-range Boeing 737s from the US aircraft manufacturer into a purchase agreement. "Jet Airways of India has placed an order for 17 Boeing 737 aircraft," a Boeing spokesman said recently. The spokesman, however, did not give any further details, saying that it is up to Jet Airways to make the announcement. Indian aviation industry sources said the premier private carrier could have converted its options to acquire 10 of these planes into purchase agreements.

The airline, which had given firm orders almost four years ago for 11 Boeing 737-800s with options to buy ten more, received the first of these planes in September last year. As per list prices, the deal is likely to be around USD 1.4 billion. However, airlines generally negotiate for major concessions from the makers.