ASIANA AIRLINES of South Korea has given Airbus Industrie, Boeing and McDonnell Douglas until 10 August to respond to its request for proposals (RFP) for up to 24 new 150-seat aircraft (Flight International , 2-8 August).
The airline has asked the three airframe manufacturers to provide pricing for 15 firm aircraft orders, as well as a further nine options. Asiana is understood to be interested primarily in the Airbus A321 and the Boeing 737-800, as well as the McDonnell Douglas MD-90.
Proposal requests were also issued in early July to engine manufacturers CFM International and International Aero Engines for pricing on the CFM56-5B and the V2530-A5 offered on the A321, the CFM56-7, which is the selected engine for the 737-800 and the V2525-D5, which is fitted to the MD-90.
A final decision on type selection, is understood to be tentatively scheduled, to be taken in November. Asiana's narrow body-aircraft purchase forms part of larger requirement for up to 50 new passenger aircraft planned for introduction between 1998 and 2002.
In addition to 150-seaters, the South Korean carrier is looking for a similar number of widebody aircraft and is expected to decide between purchasing additional Boeing 767s and 747-400s, new 777 twinjets or Airbus A330s and A340s. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, is understood to have been ruled out of the competition.
Boeing has been asked to bid for a total of 30 firm orders and 20 options, consisting of 737-800s, 777s and additional 767s and 747-400s.
The Airbus Industrie tender will be for a total of 29 firm orders, plus 19 options, consisting of A321s, A330s and A340s.
Source: Flight International
