Max Kingsley-Jones/LONDON
Air Canada is expected to place an order by mid-August for up to 20 widebodied aircraft to replace its fleet of Boeing 747-100/-200 "Classics".
The airline requires aircraft to replace its older 747s on transatlantic services, and has been evaluating the Airbus A340 and Boeing 777-200/300. It is understood that the carrier, which is to announce its financial results on 1 August, has already decided on the new aircraft, and that an announcement on the selection is imminent. A board meeting is due on 31 July, where the decision is expected to be ratified.
Air Canada operates six 416-seat 747-100s/200s, as well as three 300-seat 747-400 Combis. The Classic replacement order is expected to be for 15-20 aircraft, with further options possible. The carrier may also announce a top-up order for some additional Boeing 767-300ERs.
The airline has a large fleet of Boeings, including 747s and 767-200s/300s, but has turned to Airbus for its new aircraft in recent years, under the leadership of Hollis Harris. Some 51 Airbuses are operated, including A319s, A320s and A340-300s. Harris left Air Canada in 1996, however, and with first deliveries probably required by 2000, the 777-300 could be favoured, as it is similar in capacity to the 747, and much larger than the existing A340 models.
Airbus is developing a stretched A340, the -600, for which it is now seeking launch customers, but the new model will not be available until 2001.
Source: Flight International
