Israel's largest private carrier, Arkia, has revealed plans to start an airline operation in Nigeria and at the same time to boost its fleet with new aircraft, including Boeing 757-300s.
The airline operates 12 de Havilland Dash 7 turboprops, four Boeing 737-200s and a leased 757-200 on regional scheduled services and international charter flights. Arkia also has a leasing business, which places 737s and 747s with other airlines.
The Nigerian domestic airline is being set up in conjunction with a subsidiary of Israel's largest industrial concern, Koor, and a local Nigerian company. Operations will begin with up to three Dash 7s being transferred from Arkia, which will also provide training and supervision for the pilots and technical crews.
Arkia is to phase out gradually its four-engined Dash 7s and has signed a contract with ATR for three ATR 72-500s. The first aircraft is scheduled to be delivered in December, with the second and third arriving in February and March 1999. The ATRs will be operated primarily on services from Tel Aviv to Eilat.
In a separate deal, the airline's board has approved the purchase of two Rolls-Royce RB211-powered 757-300s for delivery in early 2000, plus options on a further two aircraft, for operation on charter flights. The deal makes the airline the third carrier to order the stretched 757 model. The board has also approved the purchase of one 757-200 for lease to a North American airline.
Arkia is also negotiating with Air France to buy two Boeing 767-200ERs, now leased to Balkan Bulgarian, for onward lease to El Al. Arkia president Israel Borovitch says that the total investment in the new and used aircraft to be purchased will total some $300 million, of which $50 million will come from internal resources and the rest from loans.
Source: Flight International
