AIR UK LEISURE is set to order four narrowbody airliners to replace its fleet of seven Boeing 737-400s, which will be withdrawn from service by 30 April. The UK charter carrier says that it has short-listed the 737-800 and Airbus A320/321.
Meanwhile, the airline will operate three leased Airbus A320s on European and Mediterranean routes, as well as its two long-haul Boeing 767-300ERs. The 180-seat A320s are being taken on two-year leases from GATX, and will be delivered between March and May.
Tour operator Unijet, which owns 40% of Air UK Leisure, is to take a greater role in the management of the airline, which will be re-branded Leisure International and will move its headquarters from London Stansted to Gatwick Airport. Philip Ovenden, responsible for Unijet's aviation activities, becomes managing director of Air UK Leisure on 1 April.
Source: Flight International
