Japan Air System (JAS) is carrying out an internal evaluation of options for replacing its ageing Airbus A300B2 and B4 widebodies used on Japanese domestic routes, with the A330 and Boeing 767 emerging as the leading contenders. The airline also operates 19 newer A300-600Rs alongside 14 early-model A300s.
JAS deputy general manager purchasing Toshiyuki Shibata says the carrier has "not decided" whether to launch a tender, but confirms that the move is "under consideration".
Japan's third largest airline is seen as the country's most likely purchaser of new aircraft in the short- to medium-term, with rivals Japan Airlines (JAL) and All Nippon Airways (ANA) implementing capacity freezes.
Airbus, which aims to boost its relatively poor penetration of the Japanese market, is optimistic that its recently-launched ultra high-capacity A380 will eventually find a role in the country despite recent statements by ANA and JAL that they will not consider placing orders for up to three years.
Airbus will back its marketing drive with the opening next month in Tokyo of its first permanent sales office in Japan.
Boeing has 80% of the Japanese market where only 68 Airbuses have been ordered so far, by ANA and JAS. JAS' fleet includes 17 MD-81s, eight MD-87s and 16 MD-90s, and seven Boeing 777s.
Source: Flight International
