Tensions over crash escalate

– Indonesia’s Lion Air is reviewing aircraft purchases from Boeing Co and has not ruled out cancelling orders as relations worsen in a spat over responsibility for a 737 jetliner crash that killed 189 people in late October.

Group co-founder Rusdi Kirana is furious over what he sees as attempts by Boeing to deflect attention from recent design changes and blame Lion Air for the crash, while the airline faces scrutiny over its maintenance record and pilots’ actions, said people who have knowledge of the matter.

Kirana is examining the possibility of cancelling remaining orders of Boeing jets “from the next delivery”, according to one of the sources, which was confirmed by another source.

No final decision has been made by Lion Air, but discussion over the fate of $22 billion (R299 billion) of remaining orders highlights the stakes surrounding an investigation involving Boeing’s fastest-selling jet to date, the 737 MAX, which entered service last year.

Lion Air has 190 jets worth $22 billion at list prices waiting to be delivered, on top of 197 already taken, making it one of the largest US export customers.

Lion Air declined to comment. It was also not immediately clear how much of the airline is owned by Kirana.

A Boeing spokesperson said: “We are taking every measure to understand all aspects of this accident and are working closely with the investigating team and all regulatory authorities involved. We are also supporting our valued customer through this very tough time.” –