ANDREW DOYLE / ZHUHAI & NICHOLAS IONIDES / SINGAPORE
Hainan Airlines is re-evaluating its regional jet strategy amid uncertainty over the future of bankrupt manufacturer Fairchild Dornier, prompting Bombardier and Embraer to step up their marketing efforts at the Chinese carrier.
Although the airline has yet to decide whether its 19-strong 328JET fleet will play a future role in its aggressive growth strategy, industry sources say the issue of how to remarket the 32-seaters is seen as crucial.
A Hainan Airlines source says the carrier is closely monitoring developments at Fairchild.
The source says that Hainan has been "very happy" with its 19 328JETs, some of which are operating with subsidiary carriers. One concern is that if Hainan disposes of its 328JETs now it would be forced to suffer "severe book value losses", says the source.
Hainan has held discussions with Bombardier and Embraer about them remarketing the aircraft on its behalf. "The best situation would be for them to take the aircraft from us, but that is unlikely," says the source. The airline has been studying the acquisition of 50- and 70-seat regional jets.
Early last year Hainan agreed to firm up its 20 328JET options and acquire one more in a move that would have increased its fleet to 40 of the type.
The follow-on deal was held up by the government's failure to approve an import licence. One option believed to be under consideration if the 328JET fleet is retained is to acquire additional white tails from the manufacturer.
Meanwhile, Hainan has taken delivery of its first of three Boeing 767-300ERs. The aircraft will operate from Beijing to Haikou, Shanghai and Urumqi, and will allow the airline to explore new markets such as Japan and Macau.
Source: Flight International
