Lion Air CEO says it may cancel Boeing 737 MAX orders

Indonesia’s Lion Air is considering canceling orders for Boeing Co. 737 MAX jets following a crash that killed 189 people in October but has not yet made a decision, said the airline’s CEO Edward Sirait.

Sirait told a briefing that Lion Air was examining the legality of canceling orders but had not yet communicated with the manufacturer about the prospect.

The airline has 190 Boeing 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 was reported to be reviewing Boeing airplane purchases and had not ruled out canceling orders as relations worsen in a spat over responsibility for the crash, according to sources.

Any cancelation of orders would need to be approved by the airline’s co-founders and co-owners, Rusdi Kirana and his brother Kusnan Kirana.

Rusdi Kirana ordered a review of airline purchases in response to Boeing’s statement last week focusing attention on piloting and maintenance topics related to the crash.

Boeing declined to comment on contractual matters but industry sources say aerospace companies rarely leave room for unilateral cancelations except in exceptional circumstances.

Bankers and some analysts say Lion Air and Southeast Asian rivals over-expanded and would be comfortable with fewer orders.

Lion Air, as a private company, does not publicly disclose information about its financial position.