Nairobi — Kenya Airways is mulling over cancelling orders for nine Boeing Dreamliners, an online publication has reported.

It would be a major blow to the aircraft maker as KQ says it is instead considering going to rival European Airbus for replacement.

Aviation website www.atwonline.com quoted CEO Titus Naikuni as saying the national carrier may cancel the order after learning that the US aircraft manufacturer was set to announce yet another delay in delivering the units.

Boeing 787, a fuel-efficient airplane, has been under development since 2004.

Last week, after Mr Naikuni had granted the interview, the manufacturer confirmed it would not deliver the planes before the first quarter of 2011. It had promised a delivery date of before year-end.

This is one of the many delays by the firm over engineering and labour issues.

"The delivery date revision follows an assessment of the availability of an engine needed for the final phases of flight test this fall," said the Boeing statement. "While Boeing works closely with Rolls-Royce to expedite engine availability, flight testing across the test fleet continues as planned."

Mr Naikuni said he had opened talks with Airbus for acquisition of A330s.

"Yes, I would dare cancelling the order," he said. "If they can't deliver, we will cancel. We will take a decision (on whether to) go with Airbus or stay with Boeing before the end of the year."

Kenya Airways is a valued customer of Boeing. Previously, it operated Airbus planes.

"We are mainly a Boeing operator, but it is possible to switch to Airbus," he said.

KQ first ordered on March 2006 and expected deliveries of the initial two units next month.

It intends to use the 787s in its fleet upgrade and expansion plan. The Nairobi Stock Exchange-listed carrier wants to phase out old Boeing 767s.

Mr Naikuni says that retaining the ageing fleet is still an option but says this would require a costly upgrade.

He expressed disappointment that the US firm had failed to offer compensation for the delays while remaining non-committal on the possibility of footing the bill for retrofit of the older planes.