Max Kingsley-Jones/London
Ansett Australia says that it will decide by the end of the year whether to become the Australasian launch customer for the Airbus Industrie A330-200, which would see it placing orders for up to 14 aircraft for delivery starting in mid-1998.
According to the general manager international Craig Wallace, Ansett is considering the A330-200 as a replacement for its fleet of Boeing 767-200s and -300s. He says: "A fleet revamp is part of Ansett's 'Destination 2000' five-year business plan, which will result in a rationalisation of the number of types we operate. Airbus has come along with the A330-200, and is keen to sign a launch customer in our neck of the woods."
Ansett flies seven Boeing 767-200s and one 767-300ER on domestic and international services, and a second -300ER is about to be added on lease.
The alternative to the A330 is to stay with the 767 and gradually focus on a fleet of the larger -300ER variant. A decision will be made before the end of December.
Although the A330 acquisition would offer various benefits, not least of which is flight-deck commonality with the Ansett's A320 fleet, there are a issues to be overcome. "The long range offered is great but, against that is the high weight, which means more expensive landing charges when using the aircraft domestically," says Wallace. "Another challenge is the wingspan - most of our stands are sized for the smaller 767."
Meanwhile, the Ansett fleet rationalisation means that the remaining Boeing 727s and Fokker F28s will be phased out, with the short-haul fleet eventually consisting of BAe 146s and A320s and 737-300s. The airline's fleet of leased 747-300s will increase from three to four next year.
Ansett Holdings reported an operating loss of A$18.6 million ($14.7 million) for the year ending June 1996, some A$117 million down on 1995, and its worst result in five years. Its net profit, however, increased to A$57.3 million from the previous A$51.5 million, thanks to A$76.9 million gain from unrealised foreign-exchange earnings and tax benefits.
Source: Flight International
