El Al is in discussions to acquire its first Airbus aircraft, three months after deciding against an Airbus narrowbody purchase, instead selecting the Next Generation Boeing 737.
The Israeli national airline, which operates an all-Boeing fleet, is in negotiations to lease two Airbus A330-200s for at least two years. The airline has an urgent need for 250-seat aircraft to operate alongside its 767-200s, to be operated on direct long haul services to destinations such as Chicago and Hong Kong.
El Al wants to introduce the aircraft by early 1999 and according to El Al's vice-president engineering, Arie Fruchter, additional 767s were initially considered, but none were available in the required timeframe. "We are now in negotiations for two A330-200s and hope to finalise a deal soon," he says.
Although El Al has not disclosed the source for the aircraft, it is understood that Airbus is assisting the airline in locating some of the A330s. International Lease Finance, which is the only leasing company with the A330-200 on order, is believed not to have aircraft available in the timeframe, making it possible that they could arrive from, or via, an existing airline customer.
In parallel with the search for aircraft, El Al is already discussing with Airbus arrangements for crew and engineer training.
Later this year, El Al will begin the selection process for a new long range 350-seat aircraft, with the Boeing 777 and Airbus A340 in the running for a five-aircraft order.
Source: Flight International
