Kuwait Airways is seeking swift Government endorsement of its fleet-replacement scheme, and related financing, in order to ensure that it can meet the tentative delivery schedule for its new aircraft.
It says that it is in discussions with the appropriate regulatory authorities to approve the funding and the terms of the agreement to acquire 19 aircraft.
Kuwait Airways is intending to take 12 Boeing 787s and seven Airbus A320s from Kuwaiti lessor Aviation Lease and Finance Company (ALAFCO).
It says that it was “encouraged” by the advantages of acquiring the aircraft through ALAFCO, pointing out that it would enable the carrier to take six A320s in 2009 and a seventh in 2012.
Kuwait Airways will also bring in six of the 787s in 2012 while the other six will be delivered in 2014. The carrier says it hopes the Government will “realise the necessity and urgency” for completing the fleet-renewal arrangements.
Its fleet-replacement forecasts to 2019 predict a need for 36 aircraft, comprising 16 long-haul jets and 20 short-haul aircraft.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
