Indian carrier Air Sahara is considering replacing its 10 leased Boeing 737s with Airbus A320s.
The carrier is studying proposals to acquire 11 A320s on lease and purchase arrangements and the first aircraft could be flying as early as next year. Its 737s would be phased out over several years, although the carrier says there is no guarantee it will go ahead with the switch.
"We are still waiting for some decisions on whether we will go in that direction," says the airline. "We are still considering it, as it would require phasing out 737s."
Air Sahara, India's second-largest private airline after Jet Airways, operates 10 leased 737s - three -400s, five -700s and two -800s - and recently agreed to lease further examples of the type.
Meanwhile, the carrier says it is still planning to launch domestic feeder operations using Bombardier CRJs. Discussions are continuing with lessors, but Air Sahara says its plans are "going very well" and the first aircraft could be flying before the end of the year.
Source: Flight International
