British Airways said it had invited arch aerospace rivals Boeing and Airbus Industrie to bid to replace BA's European aircraft fleet with up to 100 short-haul jets worth up to $3.3 billion. But the airline has challenged the two manufacturers to come up with new ways of financing the deal, to help BA reduce its own capital commitments. "A new fleet is needed. We will be looking for proposals which will help to drive down operating and maintenance costs, provide better asset utilization and allow us to meet new noise regulations," BA's chief executive Robert Ayling said.
Source: Flight Daily News
