Crossair expects to choose in late October between the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 families to replace its ageing MD-80 fleet.
The decision had been due at the end of August (Flight International, 11-17 April).
The delay is partly due to the Swiss regional's ongoing contract negotiations with its pilots, which the airline wants to complete before placing an order, according to executive vice president and general manager marketing Richard Heideker.
The Swissair subsidiary plans an initial buy of 12 A320s or 737-800s to replace the MD-80s on a one-for-one basis, but the requirement could be expanded to cover up to 30 aircraft. Heideker says that despite the parent company's switch to an all-Airbus fleet the Crossair competition remains wide open. The airline wants to take delivery of the new aircraft from 2002.
Source: Flight International
