RYSZARD JAXA-MALACHOWSKI / WARSAW
Bid team initially invites only Bombardier, Dassault and Gulfstream to enter competition
Boeing is bidding to provide six business jets to replace Poland's ageing VIP fleet. Local sources say the government has $250 million to spend on replacing four Yakovlev Yak-40s and two Tupolev Tu-154Ms.
Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Fairchild Dornier and Gulfstream are also expected to bid (Flight International, 25 June-1 July), with a decision due in December.
Boeing is offering a three-package choice, at a cost of $160 million to $210 million - six 717-200s; five 717-200s and a Boeing Business Jet (BBJ); or four 717-200s and two BBJs. Finance could be arranged by Boeing via foreign banks.
The US manufacturer has promised speedy delivery of the first 717-200 as an immediate replacement for a Yak-40. Delivery is due next year, with the other 717s, each priced at around $23 million, to follow as early as 2004. The BBJs, Boeing's Tu-154M replacement, would not be required until 2008.
Undersecretary of state Marek Zwirski heads the evaluation committee, which consists of state officials who will use the new aircraft. The team has only invited Bombardier, Dassault and Gulfstream to the table with their respective Challenger 604, Falcon 900/2000 and GIV-SP/GV aircraft, say sources.
Despite the snub, Embraer and Fairchild Dornier are pushing to have their ERJ-135-based Legacy and 328JET evaluated.
Boeing and Embraer believe that by offering fleet commonality with flag carrier LOT Polish Airlines, which operates the ERJ-145 and 737, support and maintenance costs could be slashed. The Polish defence ministry and the police will run the tender.
Source: Flight International
