Air Moldova began its fleet renewal programme on 20 September with the delivery of its first Western-built jet airliner - one of two ex-Ansett Australia Airbus A320s the Moldovan flag carrier plans to acquire. The two CFM International CFM56-5-powered aircraft are being acquired on operating leases from an international syndicate led by Credit Lyonnais. The 144-seaters will be operated from Moldova's capital Chisinau (formerly Kishinev) to Amsterdam, Paris and Rome. The airline operates an ageing Soviet-era fleet, as well as an Embraer Brasilia. Moldovan president Vladimir Voronin says the country is set to continue the replacement of its civil fleet with Western aircraft.
Source: Flight International
