Andrew Doyle/BERLIN
Deutsche BA will decide on its long-term fleet strategy by mid-year, possibly replacing its 18 Boeing 737-300s (above) with Airbus narrowbodies that are held on option by 100% owner British Airways.
The German carrier is preparing to relaunch international flights, having built a 40% market share on seven domestic trunk routes in competition with Lufthansa. It is close to reaching break-even for the first time.
Deutsche BA chief operating officer Adrian Hunt says some of BA's 129 Airbus A320-family options and commitments have been earmarked for the carrier and "that is something we will be considering in the near future".
"We are big fans of the 737-300, which is extremely reliable and has served us very well," he adds. "However, we have to recognise that there are more modern aircraft being built."
The leases on the existing 737 fleet, of which 13 were delivered new in the past 18 months, begin to expire in late 2002.
"We will look at the Next Generation 737 and we will also assess whether we renew the [-300] leases or not," says Hunt. "We have an open mind."
Deutsche BA's growth strategy is now focused on international expansion in partnership with the European oneworld alliance, says Hunt. Flights from Hamburg to Helsinki are being launched on 28 March and will be codeshared by Finnair, while a Munich-Madrid service in co-operation with Iberia is due to begin on 17 June.
"We see a natural opportunity to develop international routes within oneworld," says Hunt.
The German airline has been flying international routes from London Gatwick on behalf of its parent company. These will cease at the end of the winter season.
Source: Flight International
