DEUTSCHE BA is negotiating to convert two of its five options for Saab 2000 turboprops into firm orders. The company expects to convert the other three options in 1996.
The current talks on the exchange of two smaller Saab 340s for the Saab 2000s are expected to be completed by the end of October, with delivery of the aircraft set for 1996. The remaining 340s will probably be phased out by the end of 1996.
The airline is also leasing a new Boeing 737-300 from the US manufacturer. It will come into service on Deutsche BA's network on 8 January, when the introduction of a new Fokker 100 service from Berlin-Tegel to London Gatwick creates a need for an additional jet-powered aircraft in the fleet. This increases the size of the airline's Boeing fleet to eight.
Deutsche BA says that Saab is scheduled to modify the active noise-control system of its Saab 2000s in April 1996 to reduce cabin noise to acceptable levels.
Saab has still not fulfilled its contractual obligations to achieve a 76dB level of internal cabin noise in the aircraft, which entered into service with launch customer Crossair in 1994.
Source: Flight International
