AIR UK LEISURE has narrowed its choice of a new aircraft to replace seven Boeing 737-400s. It will choose between the Airbus A320/321 and the 737-800. The charter operator has asked several leasing companies to submit tenders by the end of November for six new aircraft.
Managing director Jeremy Dixon says that the final selection will be made on the basis of the offer and that, if this turns out to be the new 737-800, which will not be available until 1998, the airline will take short-term leases of other types as a stopgap.
If the deal involves Airbus aircraft, Air UK Leisure would most likely opt for a mix of A320/A321s, giving it flexibility in seating capacity (up to 200), according to Dixon. Its 737-400s are fitted out for a maximum of 172 passengers. Air UK Leisure is returning the first three 737-400s to the lessor in November and intends to replace them with three other leased types for the 1996 northern summer season.
Source: Flight International
