CSA, THE CZECH Republic's flag carrier, is planning to revamp its fleet with Western aircraft by the year 2002, according to Frantisek Slaby, vice-president for finance and planning.
The carrier has several options under review, as it looks to phase out four Tupolev Tu-134s and three Tu-154s still in service alongside Airbus A310s, Boeing 737s and ATR 72s.
Slaby says that the airline has a requirement for up to 15 aircraft in the 110- to 140-seat class, with 737s and Airbus A319/320s being considered. Another possibility is to cut the requirement in this class to nine aircraft, and to purchase six smaller Avro RJ70s or Fokker 70s.
Slaby confirms that the search for a partner continues, following its split from shareholder Air France, with a domestic financial partner preferred. Its prospects will have been enhanced by third-quarter results which showed a Ckr272 million ($10.3 million) profit.
Source: Flight International
