UK low-fare airline Go expects to finalise its long-term fleet plans early next year. This will enable it to begin introducing a new fleet of Airbus A319s or Boeing 737-700s in 2001.
The airline was set up in May last year by British Airways as a low-cost short-haul subsidiary based at London Stansted. To date, Go has based its operations on the 148-seat Boeing 737-300, acquiring a fleet of 13 new and used examples on operating lease. With Go's network expanding at a greater rate than originally envisaged, and the airline likely to benefit when BA hives off its marginal short-haul routes, a more long-term fleet plan is being formulated.
"Given Go's expected growth, we will need more aircraft and, with 737-300 production ceasing, we are looking specifically at the similarly sized 737-700 and A319 for the long term," says Ed Winter, Go's chief operating officer. "We are currently looking at performance issues, and I would expect commercial discussions with the two manufacturers to begin within four to five months," he says.
Winter envisages an order for aircraft being placed in the first half of next year, with deliveries from 2001. An order for at least 20 aircraft is expected.
Winter says that Go needs additional capacity from next summer, but with availability of 737-700 and A319 models tight for next year, the most likely short-term solution will be the lease of more -300s.
Go's negotiations will be stand-alone from its parent, says Winter, adding that any link to BA's existing deal for up to 188 A320 family aircraft is unlikely.
• Meanwhile, KLM uk's new low-fare operation, Buzz, has arranged to lease two Boeing 737-300s in January to operate alongside eight British Aerospace BAe 146-300s, which are being transferred from its parent. The new carrier, which will launch operations in early January, will lease the two ex-Germania 737-300s from Pembroke/Aircraft Financing and Trading.
Source: Flight International
