Max Kingsley-Jones/LONDON
Iberia is optimistic that it will complete contract negotiations with staff shortly, enabling an order for Airbus Industrie or Boeing narrowbodies to be finalised early in 1998.
The airline says that it is evaluating the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737-800 to replace its 28 Boeing 727-200s, while the smaller A319 and 737-600 are candidates to replace the 19 McDonnell Douglas DC-9-30s operated by sister company Aviaco. Earlier this year, the airline postponed the order for up to 47 aircraft until it agreed wage concessions with staff and Iberia state-holding company SEPI.
The Spanish carrier, which already operates 22 A320s alongside its ageing 727 fleet, is also examining its strategy in the 200-seater market. Iberia has taken delivery of eight of 14 Boeing 757s ordered in May 1990, while it recently dropped formally its commitment to the similarly sized A321, with the cancellation of its eight orders. "We have to decide whether to confirm the eight 757s on order," says the airline, adding that, although the A321 was "rejected some time ago", the type could figure in its plans if the 757s are not confirmed.
The airline is suffering from a shortage of capacity, and has been forced to wet-lease aircraft from other operators in the short term. With the delay in finalising the order for new equipment, the hushkitting of some of the 727 fleet is also being examined.
Meanwhile, Iberia is looking to divest its holding in loss-making Canary Islands regional carrier Binter Canarias. The airline, which operates seven Aero International (Regional) ATR 72s and four CASA CN-235 turboprops along with three DC-9s, could be sold to private investors, with the local Government also taking a stake and Iberia continuing to provide an advisory role.
Source: Flight International
