TOM GILL / LONDON
Spanish flag carrier ups pace as it moves to acquire replacements for Boeing 747-200s
Iberia is intensifying negotiations with Airbus and Boeing about a potential $1.8 billion deal to re-equip its long-haul fleet. A decision is expected by early next year.
Discussions have centred on the acquisition of 300-to-380-seat aircraft to replace its ageing fleet of nine Boeing 747-200s. Last month, Airbus presented proposals to the airline about an order for up to 10 A340-600s, while Boeing re-submitted an offer for a similar number of 777-200ER/300ERs. Iberia is also seeking options.
The Spanish carrier says it may have enough information to reach a decision by early next year, on the basis of its performance during the summer schedule, to enable deliveries to start early in 2004. Iberia says a decision could come earlier, however, noting that traffic is recovering from the lows of late last year "earlier than expected".
Iberia is already a major Airbus operator, with 15 A340-300s in service in addition to 60 variants from the A320 family.
Last year, when Airbus was looking to place A340-600s that had become available following the Swissair collapse, it is understood to have discussed a possible deal with Iberia to switch two A340-300s that the airline has on order to the larger model. The Swissair aircraft have since been placed with South African Airways.
Iberia had intended to decide on the fleet renewal at the end of last year to allow deliveries to begin in 2003, but postponed a commitment for 12 months in the wake of the 11 September terrorist attacks.
Source: Flight International
