Chris Jasper/LONDON
UK cargo carrier and wet-lease specialist Air Foyle is to revamp its freight business around widebody long-haul operations, using four Boeing 747-200Fs. It plans to lease Boeing 737 Classics as it rethinks its passenger strategy after selling a controlling stake in Ireland's CityJet to Air France.
Air Foyle's cargo operations are performed for express freight specialist TNT using British Aerospace 146s (above). That contract ends next month. Air Foyle chairman and managing director Chris Foyle says the airline is sourcing 747s to begin cargo operations between Europe and Asia.
Two 747s would be acquired, followed by two more in 12 months' time. Air Foyle is believed to have approached British Airways about buying surplus 747-200s, although, with the asking price a stumbling block, it could opt for leased aircraft. Ahead of the long-haul launch, Air Foyle is talking to an unnamed US carrier keen to launch a possible co-operation deal on transatlantic cargo flights.
Air Foyle also wants to lease two Boeing 737-300s and two 737-400s for passenger operation for European customers. The company says it is discussing two firm contracts, lasting 18 months and three years, respectively. The carrier has experience of operating Airbus A300s for Air Scandic, although it does not lease them.
Foyle says he has no interest in investing in other passenger operations following the exit from CityJet. Air France - for which Air Foyle performs various services - paid an estimated $1.9 million for an effective 67% stake in the Irish airline, giving the French carrier full control. A planned sale to Jersey European Airways collapsed after due diligence.
Foyle reveals that his airline, which made a net loss on CityJet, is "talking to a couple of entities about equity participation". Both are described as aircraft owners and lessors keen to invest in an operating company. Investment could also come from a customer "on the cargo side", he says.
Source: Flight International
