Alitalia's board has approved the lease of three more Boeing 767s in what is understood to be an interim measure as the carrier develops a full blown competition for a long haul fleet renewal plan. The Airbus A330/ A340 and Boeing 777 families are in the contest.
The airline began leasing 767s three years ago as part of a bid to bring down costs and stem spiralling losses. Alitalia has a fleet of six 767-300ERs in service alongside its owned long haul fleet of ten Boeing 747-200s and eight MD-11s.
From next year, the carrier will lease another three Boeing 767s to fly on transatlantic services, while a 747-200 freighter will also go into operation this summer, joining two others already in the fleet.
Alitalia is also starting to look at a longer term fleet renewal programme. Sources within the airline suggest that the choice will be made between a mix of A340-600s and A330-200s, or alternatively with Boeing 777-200s and -300s. Engine and airframe suppliers are gearing up to start the bidding process, but a decision is not expected until later this year.
Alitalia's ability to carry out a widescale fleet expansion remains limited, however, by the conditions attached to state aid by the European Commission last year. There is also an issue over financing, although it is understood that alliance partner KLM is preparing to lend its support.
Source: Flight International
