Taiwan orders - Taiwan's EVA Airways has ordered three Boeing 747-400 freighters for delivery from next year, apparently taking advantage of a good deal on offer (see feature p80). Rival China Airlines is preparing to announce a similar order for 747-400Fs, but it is also expected to order 777s and more 737-800s.
Hokkaido purchase - Japanese start-up carrier Hokkaido International Airlines expects to place a firm order with Boeing for a 767-300ER this month. The carrier is hoping for delivery in the spring of 2000 to allow for a frequency boost on its single Tokyo-Sapporo route.
KAL conversions - Korean Air (KAL) has signed a contract with Boeing for the conversion of its last two MD-11s into freighters. KAL says the conversions will be completed by the end of this year.
Firm intentions - China has firmed up a letter of intent for 10 Boeing 737-700/800s for delivery after 2001. Air China will take four aircraft while Hainan Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and Wuhan Airlines will each take two.
China first - China's Changan Airlines has ordered three Bombardier de Havilland Dash8-Q400s in a deal valued by the manufacturer at C$89 million ($60 million). Bombardier says the order represents its first sale of its type in mainland China.
Pakistan firms up - Pakistan International has put its six Boeing 747-200s on the market after firming up a fleet renewel that has seen it leasing Boeing 747-300s from Cathay Pacific Airways.
Singapore financing - Singapore Aircraft Leasing Enterprise has secured more than $100 million in US Export-Import Bank financing for a Boeing 777-200 purchased last year and leased back to Korean Air. It is the lessor's first Eximbank-guaranteed transaction.
Lotus position - Lotus Air has become the first Middle East customer for debis AirFinance with the 10-year lease of an Airbus A320-200. Cairo-based charter airline Lotus provides services to and from Europe.
Source: Airline Business
