Dubai-based VIP hospitality company Alpha Tours is to acquire an Airbus A319 Corporate Jetliner (ACJ), which it plans to use on premium routes between the Middle East and CIS countries and Europe where demand is high.
Engine preference has not been disclosed. The company plans to acquire the 30-seat aircraft with the backing of a Kazakh investor and will hold discussions with Airbus this week to pin down a delivery schedule. Talks with Airbus will focus on whether the ACJ is delivered in October or whether the company will opt for a later delivery slot in early 2005, says Alpha Tours chief executive Ghassan Aridi.
The company plans to establish a joint management operation for the aircraft with Portuguese operator Air Luxor cited as a possible partner. The carrier would provide pilots and other services for running the twinjet.
Source: Flight International
